Barcelona manager Xavi has offered his thoughts on where Frenkie de Jong is most effective as Manchester United continue to target the talented and versatile Dutchman.
De Jong, 25, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for the entire summer transfer window and United agreed a £70million deal to sign him back in July. However, personal terms have proved hugely troublesome as the player would prefer to stay at Camp Nou, where he will play Champions League football this season.
The Red Devils have turned elsewhere in their search for a high-profile midfield recruit and Casemiro is on the verge of completing a £60m transfer from Real Madrid. Nonetheless, Sunday Mirror Sport understands United will continue to pursue De Jong as one of three further additions before the window shuts on 1 September.
Interestingly, Xavi has used the former Ajax prospect in a variety of roles during his time in the Blaugrana dugout. De Jong is a natural central midfielder but he has been used in a holding role and even at centre-back by his manager during pre-season.
Xavi - who operated as a deep-lying playmaker during his decorated playing career in Catalonia - sees similarities between himself and De Jong, insisting the player is best when the game is played in front of him. "I see Frenkie facing the game," Xavi said, per Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
"I myself, when I was a footballer and I had my back to the game, I didn't feel comfortable. When he is facing the game, he is a spectacular footballer and you have to try to turn him around, to divide, who does it very well because he has a lot of power, he's physically strong and he has last passes.
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"I've always said that he's a player that I've always liked. I see him more as an inside player although he can adapt to the pivot position. On the wing? I don't see it that much."
De Jong had to settle for an appearance off the bench as Barcelona were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano in their opening La Liga game last Saturday. Sergio Busquets was sent off at the end of the fixture, so he is suspended for Sunday's trip to Real Sociedad.
This means De Jong may come into the starting XI for the away day in the Basque country, but reports in Spain suggest Miralem Pjanic is most likely to get the nod at the base of midfield.
