Frenkie de Jong

ANALYSIS
de Jong delivered a disciplined and composed defensive midfield display in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Japan, winning two of his three tackle attempts, making two clearances and registering two interceptions as the deepest of the Netherlands' three midfielders in a role that required him to stay compact and protect the backline against Japan's rapid counter-attacking transitions. The Barcelona midfielder was unspectacular in possession but provided the defensive foundation that allowed Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders to operate with greater freedom, and his positioning was central to limiting Japan to just 10 total attempts despite the two goals they ultimately scored. De Jong had a solid 2025-26 season with Barcelona as they won La Liga, and his experience and reading of the game at international level will be crucial as the Netherlands look to recover from a dropped two points heading into their remaining Group F fixtures.