Frenkie de Jong asked toughest opponent question, his answer feels inevitable

Frenkie de Jong became the Dutch player with the most appearances for Barcelona in Wednesday’s victory over Celta Vigo, quite an achievement given some of those who have come before him. The former Ajax midfielder made his 293rd appearance for the club, surpassing the record set by Phillip Cocu, who spent six seasons in Catalonia between 1998 and 2004.

A milestone built on consistency

Now approaching the end of his seventh season at Barcelona, De Jong has had to navigate some tough periods, both individually and for the club. The 28-year-old, though, has been a key player when fit, establishing himself as one of the world’s finest midfielders for both club and country.

Facing the very best

But De Jong has also come up against some formidable opponents, which is only to be expected when you are regularly playing in El Clásico and the Champions League, as well as in major international tournaments such as the World Cup and the European Championship.

In a Q and A session on Barça TV+, the club’s streaming service, the Dutchman was asked to name the toughest opponent he has faced during his career. It was a question that required some thought, but one that had a somewhat inevitable answer.

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