FC Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong has been slammed by Rafael van der Vaart for 'playing like a ... [+]
Former Real Madrid and Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart ripped into compatriot FC Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong on Dutch television for "playing like a postman".
Van der Vaart made his remarks on Ziggo Sport after Barca's 1-1 draw with Napoli in a Champions League last 16 first leg clash Wednesday evening.
The Catalans went 1-0 up in the clash thanks to a Robert Lewandowski strike on the hour mark.
With a lapse in concentration from Xavi Hernandez's men, however, the Italians were aloud to come back into the tie and gave themselves a lifeline for the return leg on March 12 when Victor Osimhen equalized 15 minutes later.
Van der Vaart analyzed the tie for Ziggo Sport. As expected, Netherlands international De Jong is scrutinized more closely than other Barca teammates back home, and the 2010 World Cup runner-up didn't mince any words when it came to breaking down the display of his fellow former Ajax midfielder.
"Frenkie de Jong plays football like a postman," Van der Vaart said.
"He takes too long to pass the ball forward, and instead he keeps running and taking it to his teammate.
"Once you get away from your opponent, you have to keep the ball moving and pass the ball!" Van der Vaart demanded.
Van der Vaart also criticized Barca's approach on the whole, however, especially when it came to taking corners.
"Corners are my biggest frustration in football today. They play it short to Lamine Yamal, to Frenkie, to Pedri on the other wing and then they cross it from the other side and it doesn't get anywhere. It bothers me to death," Van der Vaart ranted.
Representing their bitter rivals Real Madrid from 2008 to 2010, Van der Vaart doesn't appear to be much of a fan of the Blaugrana and once advised De Jong to flee Camp Nou.
De Jong was heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United in mid-2022, and the Red Devils even had a $92 million (€85 million) bid accepted by Barca for his services according to The Athletic.
“At Manchester United it will be just like at the national team, being the only one with his type of qualities,” Van der Vaart said, when encouraging a reunion with De Jong's ex-Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
“The Premier
De Jong didn't leave after all, but his name is still being connected to a possible exit this summer as cash-strapped Barca attempts to balance the books.
Earlier this month, SPORT reported that Van der Vaart's old employers Spurs made a $65 million (€60 million) bid for the 26-year-old.