Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has highlighted the spirit inside the squad this season.

Despite the removal of coach Ernesto Valverde and early problems with his successor Quique Setien, Barca have fought their way back to the top of the table ahead of Sunday's visit to Real Madrid.

De Jong revealed to NOS: "It's a very nice team. And yes, we also do barbecues. We have a Whatsapp group. The group director is, I believe, Gérard Pique. He added me anyway.

"Ajax and Barcelona have the same idea of football. Of course, Barcelona is better and there are players who are better individually. But with Ajax, we also reached a very high level last season.

"This is why the transition was easier."