Ronald Araujo has heaped the utmost praise on Frenkie de Jong after it was confirmed that Barcelona had won La Liga. The 26-year-old was was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in the summer, but an exit from the Camp Nou failed to materialise.
Last year, football.london understood that Chelsea liked the idea of signing De Jong and they were even confident of securing his signature. But, despite a dispute over his contract with Catalan side, the Netherlands international decided to stay and he's since played an integral role in the club's recent success.
De Jong, who sees his contract expire in 2026, has featured 29 times for Barcelona, directly contributing towards five goals from midfield. His impressive performances helped Blaugrana beat Real Madrid to the La Liga title, and his efforts have recently been recognised.
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In an interview with the club's official TV channel, Araujo interrupted De Jong's interview and shouted: "Here is the best midfielder in the world, Frenkie De Jong. A crack, a crack!"
The Dutchman is appreciated just as much by Xavi as he is by the players. Sergio Busquets recently announced that he will be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season and his manager wants De Jong to fill the veteran's shoes, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
And, the midfielder seems up for the challenge. Speaking to TV3 ahead of the El Clasico in March, De Jong reiterated his desire to remain at Barcelona for 'many years'.
"Hopefully I can play in the new Camp Nou. Barcelona has always been the club of my dreams and I want to stay here for many years," he said. "For me, the Camp Nou is the most beautiful stadium in the world.
"The plans for the stadium are very good. To continue here for many years. Barca is the team of my dreams. Playing in a Clasico is a very difficult feeling to explain.
"When I was a child, I dreamed of doing it with Barca and now I can do it. It's a very important game for the fans and also for the players, a game that can decide a league."
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