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Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has taken a major step in his restoration journey, returning to motion with the Dutch nationwide staff after an prolonged interval on the sidelines.
His comeback marks an essential milestone following an ankle damage that had stored him out of aggressive soccer for months.
De Jong’s absence was felt deeply, as he had not featured for the Netherlands in over a 12 months, leaving each membership and nation awaiting his return.
“I haven’t performed for a very long time, I’m pleased to be again,” he stated after Netherlands’ 4-0 win over Hungary as quoted by SPORT.
Challenges alongside the best way
The Barcelona participant acknowledged the challenges he nonetheless faces in getting again to his greatest. Whereas he has resumed enjoying, he admitted to experiencing occasional discomfort in his ankle.
These lingering points have barely affected his confidence on the pitch, as he adjusts to the calls for of high-level soccer once more. De Jong is conscious that regaining his rhythm and sharpness would require constant sport time.
Frenkie de Jong began for the Netherlands in opposition to Scotland. (Photograph by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Pictures)
“I’m not saying it’s a danger, however the feeling isn’t the identical as earlier than. It ought to enhance to any extent further,” he admitted.
Regardless of his willpower, De Jong revealed that he won’t begin the Netherlands’ subsequent match, selecting to take a cautious strategy to his reintegration.
He’ll, nonetheless, stick with the nationwide staff to proceed his rehabilitation and contribute in a restricted capability if wanted. “I’ll stick with the nationwide staff, however I cannot begin the following sport.”
One step at a time
Apparently, Dutch coach Ronald Koeman appears to share this affected person strategy, eager to make sure that De Jong is totally match earlier than putting heavier calls for on him.
For each Barcelona and the Netherlands, De Jong’s return is a supply of optimism. Though he isn’t but at his peak, his presence on the pitch indicators progress.
Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick has continued to position his belief within the Dutch midfielder, recognising his significance to the staff’s tactical setup.
De Jong’s 68-minute efficiency throughout his comeback sport is a promising signal that he’s on monitor to reclaim his influential function.
