Midfielder says his teammate makes an “enormous” difference when he plays
Frenkie de Jong has praised Barcelona teammate Robert Lewandowski ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier against Poland on Friday, calling the veteran striker “a world-class striker” with the ability to transform any team he plays for.
The two will face each other in Warsaw with Poland’s place in the competition next year on the line. Lewandowski arrives in camp in strong form, having scored a hat-trick for Barcelona in last weekend’s win over Celta Vigo, his first start after being out for weeks through injury.
“With Lewandowski back, our team is definitely better. The difference he makes is enormous, everyone knows that,” said De Jong. “Robert has proven it for almost 15 or 20 years, always scoring goals. He’s a world-class striker.”
Having recently extended his contract at Barcelona, the Dutch midfielder again reaffirmed his commitment to the club despite reported interest from the Premier League.
“Do I have to go to the Premier League to prove my worth? I don’t think so,” said De Jong. “There were offers, but I’m happy at Barcelona.
“The Premier League is the best league right now, without a doubt, just like La Liga was about ten years ago. But that doesn’t mean you have to play there to prove you’re a great player. I already had that dream as a child with Barcelona.”
Lewandowski’s future at the club is uncertain. His current contract expires at the end of the season, and he has been linked with clubs in Italy and Saudi Arabia. But the striker has said he is yet to make a decision.
“I still don’t know the answer,” Lewandowski said. “That’s why I’m not in a hurry, I’m at peace with myself. Even if, for example, the club contacted me now, I still wouldn’t answer that question. Because I also have to feel what’s best for me.
“Now I’m calm, I’m not in a hurry and, at the moment, I don’t expect anything else.”
