De Jong insists confidence will improve following Netherlands return

Frenkie de Jong believes his confidence will improve as he gets more playing time, having returned to the Dutch starting line-up for the first time in over a year.

De Jong received plenty of plaudits for his return to the national team in their 4-0 win over Hungary as they confirmed a place in the Nations League quarter-final on Saturday.

The midfielder returned to Barcelona in October after a six-month absence due to an ankle injury, while his last appearance for the Dutch national team was against the Republic of Ireland in September 2023.

He missed 18 games for the Netherlands during that period, including their Euro 2024 campaign, in which they reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by England.

Against Hungary, De Jong played 68 minutes and made more passes in the final third than anyone else on the pitch (31), while also making 12 final third entries, second only to teammate Jan Paul van Hecke (17). .

“I still need some time to really get into top form,” said De Jong. “After an injury I usually had the feeling that I would get back into shape quickly, but now after this injury it is really different.

It was great to see you playing again! #NothingLikeOranje #NEDHUN pic.twitter.com/pGxJfwgZMD

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 16, 2024

“I need to regain my confidence to do certain things on the pitch. I knew it would be like this and that's why people aren't worried. It should improve from now on.”

“I'm happy to be back! I need matches, I need rhythm, and then my good form will return. I won't start the next match, but I will stay with the national team.”

Ronald Koeman was also happy with the influence De Jong had on the team after such a long absence and is confident he can take the team forward.

“You saw his qualities in a number of moments,” said Koeman. “He helped us create many more chances.”