Frenkie de Jong returns to the Dutch national team squad after more than a year of absence, paving the way for a comeback after 433 days.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been a key player for both club and country, but his international career faced a major setback due to a prolonged ankle injury.
His last appearance for the Dutch national team came on September 10, 2023, in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Ireland, where the Netherlands secured a narrow 2-1 victory. However, shortly after this match, De Jong’s persistent ankle issue forced him to step away from the pitch, sidelining him for over a year and ultimately ruling him out of the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany a significant blow for the Dutch team, who had counted on his playmaking abilities.
The injury kept De Jong out of action for several key fixtures, limiting his involvement since the World Cup in Qatar. In fact, since the tournament, De Jong has only managed to participate in four out of 24 international matches played by the Netherlands. His appearances were limited to the Nations League finals against Croatia and Italy, as well as two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Ireland. This limited playing time highlights the struggle he faced in regaining full fitness, and the Dutch team clearly felt his absence, lacking his vision and ball control in midfield during several important games.
De Jong’s injury history has been a concern for both his national team and Barcelona. After a stellar year in 2021, when he featured in 16 international matches the most he has played in any calendar year his appearances dwindled due to physical setbacks. The former Ajax prodigy, known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and tactical awareness, first made his debut for the Dutch national team on September 6, 2018, in a friendly match against Peru. De Jong quickly made an impact, assisting and contributing to a 2-1 comeback win. Since then, he has become a mainstay in the midfield, earning 54 caps and scoring twice, solidifying his role as one of the team's most dependable players.
De Jong’s return to club football was a highly anticipated moment, both for Barcelona fans and for Dutch supporters eager to see him back in action. He made his comeback on October 1, 2024, during a dominant Champions League match against BSC Young Boys, where Barcelona secured an emphatic 5-0 victory. In that game, De Jong demonstrated flashes of his old self, showcasing his ball-carrying abilities and precise passing that have made him a crucial asset to the team. Despite only recently returning from injury, he was involved immediately, indicating the trust that manager Xavi Hernandez places in him.
Since his return, De Jong has had a gradual reintegration into the squad. He started once and came off the bench in four subsequent matches, showing steady improvement with each appearance. His performances have been promising, helping Barcelona maintain their position at the top of La Liga. Xavi has praised De Jong's resilience and work ethic, noting that the midfielder’s recovery has been carefully managed to avoid any setbacks. The medical team at Barcelona has taken a cautious approach, focusing on strength and conditioning to ensure that De Jong can handle the physical demands of top-level football once again.
For the Dutch national team, De Jong’s return comes at a crucial time as they prepare for their next set of international fixtures. The midfield dynamo’s creativity and ability to dictate the tempo of the game are vital for the team's tactical setup. Manager Ronald Koeman has been vocal about the importance of having De Jong back in the squad, emphasizing that his return adds much-needed depth and quality to the midfield. The Dutch camp is hopeful that with De Jong’s presence, they can regain their form and build momentum heading into the next qualification rounds for major tournaments.
The road to recovery has not been easy for De Jong, as he faced a series of challenges both physically and mentally. The frustration of missing the Euros was a significant setback, but those close to the player have noted his determination and commitment to return stronger. His teammates at Barcelona have been supportive throughout the rehabilitation process, often speaking about his positive attitude and his eagerness to get back on the field. De Jong himself has expressed gratitude for the support he has received, noting that the time away from the game allowed him to reflect and work on areas of his game that he wanted to improve.
Looking ahead, De Jong is expected to play a pivotal role for both Barcelona and the Netherlands. With key fixtures approaching, including the final rounds of Euro qualifiers and the continuation of the Champions League campaign, his return to full fitness will be crucial. His ability to link defense and attack, break opposition lines with his dribbling, and provide accurate long passes makes him a unique player who can change the dynamics of a match.
The upcoming international break will be an important test for De Jong as he aims to reestablish himself in the Dutch starting XI. His form will be closely monitored by both club and country, as they look to manage his workload effectively to prevent any recurrence of injury. The Dutch fans are eagerly anticipating his return, hopeful that he can bring back the fluidity and control that the team has been missing in recent games.
In conclusion, Frenkie de Jong’s return marks a significant boost for both Barcelona and the Dutch national team. After a long and arduous recovery process, he appears ready to make an impact once again. If he can stay fit and continue building on his recent performances, De Jong has the potential to be a game-changer in the decisive moments of the season.
