Former Real Madrid and Netherlands star Rafael van der Vaart criticized compatriot Frenkie de Jong, the FC Barcelona midfielder, likening his style of play to that of a postman during a segment on Dutch television.
Van der Vaart delivered his critique on Ziggo Sport following Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Napoli in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday evening. The Catalans took a 1-0 lead through a Robert Lewandowski goal in the 60th minute.
However, a lapse in concentration from Xavi Hernandez‘s team allowed Napoli to equalize through Victor Osimhen, giving them hope for the return leg on March 12.
During his analysis for Ziggo Sport, Van der Vaart scrutinized De Jong, a Netherlands international, more intensely than his Barcelona teammates, not holding back in dissecting the performance of his former Ajax colleague.
Van der Vaart also criticized Barcelona’s overall approach, particularly their corner-taking strategy. Having represented bitter rivals Real Madrid from 2008 to 2010, Van der Vaart’s sentiments towards Barcelona are evident, as he once advised De Jong to leave Camp Nou.
De Jong was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in mid-2022, with the Red Devils reportedly having a €85 million bid accepted by Barcelona for his services, according to The Athletic. Although De Jong stayed put, rumors persist about his potential departure this summer as financially strapped Barcelona seeks to balance its finances.
Earlier this month, SPORT reported that Tottenham Hotspur, Van der Vaart’s former club, made a €60 million bid for the 26-year-old midfielder.
