France vs Netherlands: 5 Talking Points, UEFA Nations League 2018/19

#2 De Jong shows signs of promise

Netherlands v Peru - International Friendly

Much has been made of the talents of Ajax youngster Frenkie de Jong, whose performances at club level have lifted him into the sights of several of Europe’s biggest clubs, most notably Barcelona.

However, the 21-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Manchester City and Tottenham, has had few opportunities to show what he is made of on the big stage. Given the opportunity in Paris, he showed glimpses of what he is capable of, most notably with a blistering run through the heart of the field early in the second half.

His willingness to take the ball from the defence in deep areas and build from the back suggests that he has the mentality to play the role at an elite club, and he largely coped with the pressure of this occasion well. He looks capable of playing a smart passing game or a more direct running game when the opportunity arises.

It was a tough night overall for the youngster on the occasion of just his second cap. He was not aided by the fact his team-mates were heavily outgunned in the area he was patrolling, so the jury remains out on just how much an impact he can have but the signs are certainly promising.

With more opportunities against such quality opponents, his game will surely come on rapidly, and his suitors will not have been put off by what he showed in the French capital.