Frenkie de Jong has spoken highly of his Barcelona teammate Pedri. The Dutchman couldn't hide his happiness after the Copa del Rey victory against Atlético Madrid, where he shared the midfield with the 22-year-old Spaniard.
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Barcelona reached the final of the Spanish Cup on Wednesday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atlético Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.
It was a tense and tactical battle between two of Spain’s top teams, but Barcelona’s midfield dominance, led by the duo of Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, proved to be decisive. The lone goal came from a moment of brilliance by Robert Lewandowski, who converted a sharp cross from Ferran Torres in the 64th minute. However, much of Barcelona’s control over the game stemmed from the midfield partnership of De Jong and Pedri, who orchestrated play with precision and composure.
Frenkie de Jong, who has often been praised for his technical skills and vision, did not hide his satisfaction with the way Barcelona’s midfield operated. Sharing the pitch with Pedri throughout the entire match, the Dutchman was quick to credit his Spanish teammate for his own impressive form this season. De Jong, known for his humility and team-centric approach, highlighted Pedri’s intelligence on the ball and his ability to read the game with exceptional clarity.
“I’m happy to play with all my teammates, but playing with someone like Pedri makes life easier,” De Jong told Mundo Deportivo after the match. “He’s amazing on the ball, always finds the best solutions, and puts you in the ideal position. It’s incredible how he reads the game. Sometimes, it feels like he’s two steps ahead of everyone else.”
This partnership has been particularly effective throughout the current season. Statistics further reinforce the strength of their collaboration: De Jong and Pedri have played 27 matches together this season, securing 20 wins, drawing five, and losing only two. The stability and fluidity they bring to Barcelona’s midfield has been a key factor in the team’s recent success, providing both defensive solidity and creative impetus going forward.
In their entire careers playing alongside each other, De Jong and Pedri have shared the field 146 times, totaling an impressive 9,041 minutes. Since Pedri’s debut in 2020, the two midfield maestros have averaged 2.02 points per game, an indication of their consistent contributions to Barcelona’s success. Despite their dominance in midfield, De Jong and Pedri are not known for their high scoring output. Their roles are primarily centered on controlling the tempo of the game, linking play between defense and attack, and creating opportunities for their more offensive teammates.
The statistical reality underscores this focus: De Jong and Pedri have only been directly involved in a goal together once. That rare occasion came in 2021, when De Jong delivered a perfectly timed assist to Pedri, who scored against Athletic Club in a thrilling 2-3 La Liga victory. Lionel Messi, still at Barcelona at the time, provided the other two goals, highlighting how the midfield duo’s contributions often go beyond raw numbers.
Beyond their on-field connection, De Jong and Pedri have developed a strong friendship off the pitch. Both are known for their calm, unassuming personalities and their dedication to improving their game. Pedri, at just 22 years old, has already earned praise from some of the biggest names in football for his maturity and composure. De Jong, meanwhile, remains a pivotal figure for Barcelona, with his versatility and tactical awareness allowing him to thrive in various roles within the team.
Following the hard-earned victory against Atlético Madrid, attention has already shifted to the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid. Scheduled for April 26 in Seville, the clash promises to be a spectacle of football at its highest level. “A Barça-Madrid clash is always special. Both teams can win, regardless of their form. There are still many matches to play first, but we are looking forward to it,” said De Jong, downplaying any talk of favoritism or complacency.
The Dutchman’s cautious approach is understandable, given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. A Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid is always a high-pressure encounter, with pride, history, and silverware on the line. Both teams are known for their ability to rise to the occasion, regardless of their domestic form. Real Madrid, with their wealth of experience and knack for performing on big stages, will undoubtedly pose a serious challenge.
Barcelona, however, have every reason to be optimistic. Under Xavi’s leadership, the team has developed a more cohesive and disciplined style of play. The midfield, anchored by De Jong and Pedri, has become a vital component of this transformation. Their ability to control possession, dictate the tempo, and launch attacks from deep positions has made Barcelona a formidable opponent.
Furthermore, Barcelona are still in contention for a potential treble, a prospect that continues to excite fans and pundits alike. In addition to their Copa del Rey aspirations, Barcelona currently sit at the top of La Liga with a comfortable lead over their closest rivals. Their consistency in the domestic league has been a testament to the team’s renewed focus and resilience.
In the Champions League, Barcelona have also been impressive, reaching the quarterfinals where they will face Borussia Dortmund. The matchup promises to be another tough test for the Catalan club, but their current form suggests they are well-prepared for the challenge. Pedri and De Jong’s partnership will undoubtedly be crucial in breaking down Dortmund’s defenses and providing the creative spark needed to secure progression to the semifinals.
Despite the team’s positive trajectory, De Jong remains cautious when discussing the possibility of a treble. The 27-year-old midfielder has learned the value of maintaining focus and not getting carried away by speculation or hype. “We still have a lot of games to play, and anything can happen. It’s important to stay grounded and keep working hard,” De Jong stated.
The road ahead is challenging, but with De Jong and Pedri at the heart of Barcelona’s midfield, the club’s ambitions remain well within reach. Their partnership has already brought success, and as the season progresses, their influence is only likely to grow. Whether Barcelona can complete a historic treble remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the synergy between De Jong and Pedri will play a crucial role in determining the club’s fate this season.
