Frenkie de Jong, the talented midfielder for Barcelona, is all set to take on Spain in the Nations League after recovering from a recent illness that kept him sidelined in the team's last match. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, de Jong expressed his eagerness to play, stating, "After lunch I suddenly had to throw up a lot and I also had stomach pains. I think I ate something wrong. That seems likely to me, since I was fine again the next day." His swift recovery has lifted the spirits of both De Jong and his supporters.
De Jong's absence during Barcelona's victory over Atletico Madrid was certainly felt, but he assured fans that he is now fit and ready for the important clash against Spain. The match, scheduled for Thursday night, March 20, in Rotterdam, is a key encounter in the Nations League that could see the winner advance to face either France or Croatia in the final.
In a candid moment, De Jong addressed lingering concerns about his ankle, which had troubled him in the past. He confidently declared, "I feel completely fine and don’t think about it anymore while playing." This positive outlook comes after a period of uncertainty regarding his recovery, which he found mentally challenging. "It took a long time and because you didn’t know how long it would last, a kind of doubt arose. I sometimes found that quite difficult to deal with. But now it’s going fine," he said.
The challenge against Spain will not only showcase de Jong's skills but also pit him against several Barcelona teammates, notably the rising star Lamine Yamal. Regarding Yamal, de Jong praised his compatriot, saying, "He is very good. I see him as a natural talent and as a player of the highest category. It is important that we fight him as a team." Such admiration underlines the chemistry and camaraderie within the Barcelona squad, even amidst fierce competition.
As for the matchup, Spain is widely recognized as the favorite, but De Jong holds a different perspective. "For many people, Spain is the favorite, but I don’t think like that. Of course they are very good, but we are ready to make it a great match," he asserted, demonstrating the confidence and determination that has characterized his playing style. This belief in his team's capabilities will be essential as they face off against a formidable opponent.
The upcoming Nations League match promises to be an exciting contest. With De Jong back at full fitness and eager to showcase his talents, fans can look forward to an electric encounter that not only highlights individual capabilities but also the strength and resolve of the national team. The stakes are high, and both players and supporters alike are hoping for a thrilling performance that may lead to further success in the tournament.
As the countdown to the match begins, all eyes will undoubtedly be on De Jong and his teammates as they prepare to fight for a spot in the semi-finals, driven by passion and the hope of advancing toward the final showdown. With the support of the Barcelona star and the promising talents of his team, this clash against Spain may turn out to be one for the history books.
