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La Liga | Gameweek 10
Oct 20, 2022 at 8pm UK
Spotify Camp Nou
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Barcelona
3 - 0
Villarreal

Lewandowski (31', 35'), Fati (38')
FT(HT: 3-0)

Torres (90+2')

Xavi hails Frenkie de Jong's performance against Villarreal

:Headline: Xavi hails Frenkie de Jong's performance against Villarreal:
Barcelona boss Xavi hails Frenkie de Jong for his performance in Thursday's 3-0 victory over Villarreal at Camp Nou.
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Xavi hails Frenkie de Jong's performance against Villarreal

Barcelona boss Xavi has lavished praise on Frenkie de Jong for his performance in Thursday's 3-0 victory over Villarreal at Camp Nou.

The 25-year-old made just his fifth La Liga start of the campaign against the Yellow Submarine, being preferred to Sergio Busquets in the midfield alongside Gavi and Pedri.

De Jong's future continues to be called into question, with Barcelona still thought to be keen to move him on next year due to his substantial wage packet.

Manchester United were heavily linked with the Netherlands international over the summer and are still believed to have an interest in bringing him to Old Trafford next year.

Xavi revealed his delight at the Dutchman's performance against Villarreal, claiming that he is "the best player in the team when it comes to breaking lines".

Xavi hails Frenkie de Jong's performance against Villarreal

"Frenkie was very good. He really enjoyed the game, he understood it very well and he played a very complete game. I'm happy for him," Xavi told reporters after the match.

"The first half today was very good. We understood that the 'free man' was the pivot, Frenkie. Frenkie is the best player in the team when it comes to breaking lines. Today, he understood that very well, also in defence... Frenkie was especially good today."

Xavi also said that De Jong's performance that convinced him that he deserves to be in the starting XI on a more consistent basis this season.

"Yes, of course, especially defensively, he knew what to do, he was in the right position with Pedri and Gavi. He knew when to press and when to defend," the manager added.

De Jong has scored once in 12 appearances for Barcelona this season, and he will be bidding to keep hold of his starting role for Sunday's clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Xavi also reiterated the importance of remaining "calm" following the victory over Villarreal, with Barcelona navigating their way through a testing period of the campaign.

"Today with the messages on the phone it seems that I have won the lottery. Calm, now we are not the best team, I know that the expectations are high but we must work with humility," he added.

Barcelona suffered a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid in El Clasico last weekend, which handed the reigning champions the initiative in terms of the league table.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently three points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of the division, while they will have the chance to move six clear when they take on Sevilla on Saturday night. body check tags ::

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Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico19135134122244
2Real Madrid19134243192443
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal198653431330
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad198471713428
8GironaGirona198472725228
9Rayo Vallecano196762222025
10Real BetisBetis196762123-225
11Osasuna196762328-525
12Celta Vigo197392830-224
13Sevilla196582128-723
14Las PalmasLas Palmas196492429-522
15Getafe194781316-319
16Leganes194781829-1119
17Espanyol2054111932-1319
18AlavesAlaves1945102131-1017
19Real ValladolidValladolid2043131439-2515
20Valencia1927101829-1113
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