Supporters of Spanish giants Barcelona have flooded to social media on Saturday, to send a crystal clear message to the powers that be at the club, regarding the future of Frenkie de Jong.
The Blaugrana, of course, kicked their campaign into gear a short time ago.
Buoyed by the registrations of all of Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, as well as immediate starting berths for the latter trio, Xavi Hernandez and co. welcomed Rayo Vallecano to the Camp Nou.
The widespread assumption ahead of kick-off, understandably, was that Barca, in turn, would go on to seal a comfortable victory.
When all was said and done, however, this proved to be far from the case.
Instead, an altogether lacklustre display ultimately culminated in the evening’s hosts being forced to make do with a share of the spoils, courtesy of a 0-0 stalemate.
The match ends as a draw pic.twitter.com/tPjYNrgNFh
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 13, 2022
On the back of the action coming to a close this evening, it should therefore come as little surprise to hear of the Barcelona faithful being up in arms online.
Taking to social media in their droves, fans of the Blaugrana have taken aim at players and staff alike, with Gavi and Robert Lewandowski amongst those most heavily targeted.
On the flip side, however, one member of Xavi’s ranks who has in fact been hailed for his influence versus Rayo comes in the form of Frenkie de Jong.
Amid ongoing speculation surrounding his future, De Jong was forced to make do with a spot on the bench tonight.
After being introduced in the 2nd-half with his side in pursuit of a crucial opener, though, the Dutchman thoroughly impressed, adding some much-needed intent to Barca’s midfield.
And such efforts, evidently, did not go unrecognised on the part of the club’s supporter-base.
In turn, calls have begun to mount for De Jong to not only be placed immediately on the ‘not for sale’ list, but also to be afforded a starting berth in the middle of the park moving forward:
Frankie De Jong should start ahead of anyone in the midfield except Pedri💙❤☑
— B♠R♣ (@DonMarboro_) August 13, 2022
De Jong needs to start. Best player today
— Kamo Mod (@kamo_mod) August 13, 2022
Frankie de Jong is Barca power house…if we lose him then it is over for Barcelona.. mark my words
— Dave’s Delani (@s_delani) August 13, 2022
@DeJongFrenkie21 he played better than everyone in the field
Please keep him— Mehranist🐲 (@Mehraniof) August 13, 2022
We need to keep De Jong
— Amadu 🇱🇷 (@amadu_29) August 13, 2022
De jong must start next game
— Tomiwa (@king_leoo_) August 13, 2022
I’m finished man 😭 de jong has to start next game Gavi to the bench man
— Teemuis🐐🇫🇮 (@AlexanderMoen3) August 13, 2022
Frenkie de Jong must stay.
— Javier (@javier_abs) August 13, 2022
@FCBarcelona you don’t need the heavens to tell you that Frenkie De jong must stay! @JoanLaportaFCB
— Pharaday (@enam_ampim) August 13, 2022
@FCBarcelona hope you realized the importance of frank de jong
— Amigoe🇿🇼🇿🇦 (@MengeziNcube13) August 13, 2022
Read more:
Who are the pride of London? Chelsea vs Tottenham: Combined XI
Chelsea vs Tottenham betting tips: Premier League preview, predictions & odds