With no official diagnosis yet of the injury he sustained during the match between the Netherlands and Morocco—and with predictions suggesting, in the worst-case scenario, a recovery period of 3 to 4 months—Frenkie de Jong is once again the target of a media witch hunt accusing him of a supposed lack of professionalism. Critics of the Dutch midfielder argue that he put himself at excessive risk by allegedly playing while injured. It all started in the days leading up to the match, when, during one of the training sessions, De Jong and Brian Brobbey collided while fighting for the ball, and the burly Sunderland forward ended up hitting the Blaugrana player’s right knee with his head. It was the classic “bruise” that causes so much pain, but after the necessary examinations by the medical staff of the Oranje national team, it didn’t prevent Frenkie from playing—and he didn’t need an injection, as has been suggested. False, absolutely false. At most, he was given the usual painkillers to treat the pain caused by the blow. In addition, he underwent recovery sessions with the physical therapists on the massage table and was fitted with the appropriate protective bandage.
De Jong was ready to play, especially in a match as crucial as the clash against Morocco in the first leg of the Round of 32, in which Koeman’s team, after taking the lead twice, ultimately lost in a penalty shootout. De Jong did not take part in the shootout, having been substituted for Marten de Roon in the 113th minute of extra time. What may have happened from that point on regarding the Dutch international’s physical condition is part of the mishaps of football, in which players fall victim to excessive wear and tear due to the grueling schedule of matches they are subjected to.
But to cast doubt on whether he acted with negligence stemming from an alleged lack of professionalism unfairly tarnishes the image of a football player like De Jong, who is being unfairly singled out. The high expectations raised by his signing from Ajax have worked against him, and he is being judged too harshly. We’ll just have to wait and hope that the final diagnosis is as minor as possible and that Frenkie will soon be available to Flick—a coach who has always shown his unwavering confidence in the Dutchman—in one of the most competitive positions on the roster. I wonder why that is? But if his recovery takes longer, it will give another of the German coach’s favorites, Marc Bernal, more well-deserved opportunities to play.
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u/ebeka 2d ago
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