Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is determined to respond to the challenges set by coach Xavi.

De Jong's season, like many other players in the squad, had not started in the best possible way but the atmosphere has changed in the Camp Nou dressing room.

The resignation of the 3-3 draw against Celta Vigo has transformed into the collective joy of the first away win in LaLiga this season at Villarreal at the weekend.

"We lacked personality, it's the players that have to change," De Jong said to Movistar after Barça squandered a three-goal lead in Vigo.

At Villarreal, De Jong returned to goal-scoring ways after seven months without one. The last goal was in the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club, a strike that was the last of his best goal-scoring season with seven.

Sport says the club expect De Jong to take the necessary steps forward and become one of the leaders of the team under Xavi. The team need it and Xavi is convinced the Dutchman can give much more.