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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>De Jong criticised by countryman</li><li>Barcelona drew 1-1 with Napoli in Champions League</li><li>Van der Vaart insists De Jong was at fault</li></ul>

'Plays like a postman!' - Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong savaged after Champions League draw with Napoli

LaLiga

Celta Vigo

Barcelona

Barcelona drew 1-1 with Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, and Van der Vaart was left unimpressed by De Jong's performance. The former Tottenham and Real Madrid star claimed that his compatriot plays "like a postman" and simply does not keep up with the required pace.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Van der Vaart said on Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands while working as a pundit (via <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20240222/1002195394/dura-critica-der-vaart-jong-juega-cartero.html" target="_blank">Mundo Deportivo</a>): "Frenkie de Jong plays football like a postman. He takes too long to pass the ball forward, instead he keeps running and carrying it to his teammate. Once you move away from your opponent, you must keep the ball moving and pass the ball."

WHAT VAN DER VAART SAID

De Jong has seen his season disrupted by injury, with an ankle strain ruling him out for seven La Liga matches earlier this term. He has only managed to score one goal this season, regardless, and has failed to provide an assist.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

De Jong has been linked with a move away from the Catalan club as he is yet to sign a new contract and has subsequently been linked with the likes of <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/frenkie-de-jong-premier-league-chelsea-man-utd-psg-barcelona-eur100m-transfer-fee/bltbf1efdd3b348e331" target="_blank">Manchester United and Chelsea</a>. Barcelona have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/barcelona-send-frenkie-de-jong-transfer-ultimatum-as-tottenham-make-eur60m-offer-for-chelsea-and-man-utd-target/blted1f87deae811d99" target="_blank">handed him an ultimatum</a> to either sign a new deal or leave permanently.

WHAT NEXT FOR DE JONG?

'Plays like a postman!' - Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong savaged after Champions League draw with Napoli | Goal.com

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong has been savaged by former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart, who compared him to a &quot;postman&quot;.