Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman believes Frenkie de Jong is now in career best form.
De Jong was again on the scoresheet for Barca's Copa del Rey win at Rayo Vallecano last night.
“De Jong is a complete footballer," began Koeman. “But it was necessary that he should become more involved in the attack. Not only is he scoring goals now, but he's also doing a good job. And he always does, whether it is the first or the last minute. He is in a good phase and plays an important role in our attacking game.
“He has a lot of qualities in building from deep, but he is also a player who had to do more in an offensive way. It was time for him to score more than one goal per season.
“This Frenkie de Jong is more complete than at Ajax. Everyone sees his qualities, but now he is more complete. The way in which he seeks out the enemy penalty area and the depth he brings has a positive effect on our creativity and goal scoring."