Frenkie De Jong confident of FC Barcelona starting role

New FC Barcelona signing Frenkie De Jong is confident of securing a starting place this season.

The Dutch international arrived in June following his pre-agreed €75m move from Ajax, and the 22-year old midfielder is focused on forcing his way into Ernesto Valverde's starting XI.

"FC Barcelona is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and competition for place sis normal, he told an interview with Mundo Deportivo.

"I will have competition, but I want to show the coach in training that I can be a starter.

"Then the coach will decide."

De Jong has also revealed that fellow midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets have been particularly supportive following his move to Catalonia, despite being rivals for a place in the team.

"I believe he (Rakitic) is a great player and I respect him a lot.

"He has given a lot and achieved great things with this club, and he is an example to me.

"It is not about me taking someone's place in the team, I just want to play, in whatever position I am asked to do so,

"But if I had to name one player who has been the most supportive to me so far, that would be Sergio Busquets.

"He has helped a lot with getting to know the city and he helps me with everything."

De Jong has been named in FC Barcelona's 26-man travelling squad to play a pre season tour in Japan, and he is expected to make his club debut on July 23 , against Chelsea. 

Tags Ajax FC Barcelona Frenkie de Jong
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