Why Frenkie De Jong is an ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho than Ruben Neves
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester City are set to seal a £61million deal for 21-year-old Dutch youngster Frenkie De Jong. Pep Guardiola is in search of a new defensive midfielder given that Fernandinho will not be able to carry on for much longer at this age.
City have also been linked with £16m Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves after the Portugal international made a meteoric rise to fame over the last year.
He has been in impressive form this season as well after making it to the Premier League, dictating the play and defending fruitfully for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. (Manchester Evening News)
But taking into consideration Pep Guardiola’s philosophy, Frenkie De Jong seems to be the ideal option for the Cityzens at the moment. Though they may have to shell out a mammoth fee to acquire the Ajax midfielder, he certainly seems more suited to the former Barcelona coach’s methods.
Frenkie De Jong is a lot quicker with and without the ball. His work rate and efficiency are also much higher. The Dutch international has played a crucial role in taking the Netherlands to the UEFA Nations League final this week.
He is also a very quick mover and distributor of the ball in the middle of the park and is much more precise as well. Guardiola needs his holding midfielder to be able to seamlessly contribute at both ends of the pitch just like how Fernandinho does and that is why Frenkie De Jong is the better option.
Though Ruben Neves is very talented, he is yet to show the rise in performances that De Jong has. Neves is also a lot slower in transition, which is a huge no when playing under Pep Guardiola.
The Ajax midfielder has also averaged a better pass success rate than the Wolves midfielder. While De Jong has 91.6% in the Dutch league, Ruben Neves has managed a pass success rate of 84.8%. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
De Jong is also much stronger in the air and possesses the all-round ability needed to thrive in a demanding atmosphere like the Premier League, especially when playing under Pep Guardiola. The Dutch midfielder is also a better dribbler than Ruben Neves and is good at retaining possession too.
Manchester City should definitely go ahead and complete a move for Frenkie De Jong. He is such a quality player and Pep Guardiola should quickly make his move before any other club attempts to tempt the youngster.