frenkie de jong v valencia

FRENKIE SCORED HIS 2ND GOAL OF THE SEASON

The best De Jong returns: Starter, captain, and a goal in two minutes

Published:26/01/2025 - 22:18h

Updated:26/01/2025 - 23:06h

Frenkie de Jong opened the scoring for FC Barcelona in a magical first half against Valencia. The Dutchman scored a stunning goal in the 2nd minute, the first of the 5 goals from the Catalans before halftime

Calendar of FC Barcelona

Frenkie de Jong took advantage of the last-minute absence of Pedri González for FC Barcelona against Valencia. The 27-year-old midfielder, who is still searching for his best version with Hansi Flick's team, started the match against the 'che' team in the best way possible. Starter, captain, and a goal in two minutes, thanks to an exquisite assist from Lamine Yamal, his number 10 in LaLiga (leader of the tournament).

In the first clear chance for Barça, the player from Mataró drove down the right and, upon lifting his gaze, caught Frenkie's arrival behind Yarek. The Dutchman controlled Yamal's cross with his left foot and, while falling, finished crosswise with his right to leave goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with no options. The goal unleashed the blue and garnet offensive arsenal, opening the door to an unstoppable 'manita' in the first 45 minutes.

Frenkie shines in his second match as a starter in LaLiga

For De Jong, Sunday's match was his second as a starter in the League, after the 45 minutes he played at Anoeta against Real Sociedad (1-0). That day, the midfielder had a rather dull first half and was replaced by Dani Olmo after the break. Against Valencia, the '21' also completed his second performance in the 2024-25 season with offensive contributions.

Previously, Frenkie had scored and assisted in the 'manita' against Mallorca (1-5) on December 3rd. That day, he rounded off the blue and garnet rout in Son Moix playing the last 18 minutes of the match. In the Champions League, the player from Arkel has only been in the XI against Red Star (2-5) and, after his good performance against the 'che' team, it is likely that Flick will keep him in the lineup on Wednesday against Atalanta (21:00 h in Montjuïc).

De Jong's goal against Valencia (after 2 minutes and 24 seconds) was the earliest goal of his entire professional career (club and country) and the nineteenth in 232 official matches with Barça. In total, the '21' completed 63 of 66 passes (95%) in the 78 minutes he was on the pitch, with 2 recoveries and 4 of 5 individual duels won. In defence he was impeccable, committing no fouls and causing two.