The signing of striker Luuk de Jong aroused amazement among some Barca fans. However, Ronald Koeman raves about his new protégé.
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman has raved about new signing Luuk de Jong surprisingly offensively and very clearly. He even targeted former Barca star Neymar for this.
“Luuk is a different type of attacker than we have. I think every team should have a player like that. I told the club that last year,” said Koeman.
Ronald Koeman on Luuk de Jong: “more dangerous than Neymar” on crosses
In fact, the signing of the 31-year-old striker, who scored just four goals for Sevilla FC last season and is one of the biggest flops in club history in the Bundesliga at Borussia Mönchengladbach, caused astonishment among many Barca fans.
Still, Koeman defended his former protégé with the Dutch national team: “I was wondering how it is possible that Barca have never had a striker like Luuk.” On flanks, de Jong is 1.88 meters “more dangerous than Neymar”.
FC Barcelona tried to get PSG star Neymar back
Most recently, Barca president Joan Laporta had confirmed that the Catalans were aggressively trying to get the Brazilian superstar back and that the 29-year-old was “crazy about it”.
Ultimately, however, the transfer failed due to financial fair play, the requirements of the Spanish league regarding a salary cap and the club’s large debts.
From de Jong, Koeman hopes for a more direct game, with corners and free kicks you have additional options. “If the match challenges a guy like Luuk, he’ll play,” said Koeman.
At PSV Eindhoven, he proved that de Jong is capable of scoring many goals on a regular basis. There he scored 112 times in 204 games. The Dutchman will initially charge for Barca on loan.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
