In a new series of articles, FantasySports.co.uk will analyse the likely formation and performance impact that players would have on some of the Premier League’s greatest clubs. Today, we ask the question: ‘How would Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong fit in at Manchester City?’
Our analysis series is to assist Fantasy Premier League managers in understanding the impact Frenkie de Jong could have in the English top-flight.
Analysis: How would Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong fit in at Manchester City?
Frenkie de Jong has been a regular in the Ajax team for two-plus seasons. Now in his third year with the club’s first-team, De Jong has solidified himself as one of the premier young midfielders in Europe.
The Dutch international joined the senior side in 2016-17 from the club’s youth side. He played just 11 times for the first team but helped Ajax qualify for the Europa League Final. His exploits for the youth team landed him the Jupiler League’s Talent of the Season trophy.
His second season with the senior team saw De Jong appear in 26 games in all competitions. Now 21, he has pushed on with Ajax playing 13 times in all competitions. His play and youthful exuberance has attracted the eyes of top clubs from across Europe.
A product of Ajax’s youth team, De Jong is a skilled passer and excellent in possession. His tackling and ability to win the ball make him an attractive player in the transfer market currently.
De Jong is under contract until 2022 after signing an extension in December 2017. He is currently valued at £36 million, which is no small fee.
Pep Guardiola dreams of players like De Jong. Skill with the ball at his feet and capable of keeping play ticking over, De Jong would fit in perfectly in the Manchester City team. He would be a natural replacement for Fernandinho in the middle of the park for Manchester City.
De Jong is a highly skilled tackler and mostly plays deep in the Ajax central three. He doesn’t score many goals, just two goals in 50 career Ajax games. De Jong does create goals, however. He has recorded nine assists since joining Ajax. De Jong has also played in central defence this season for Ajax showing his ability to adapt.
Fernandinho is getting older, 33-years old now, and his time at the Etihad is growing closer to the end. He is under contract until 2020 and could help De Jong transition into the team’s midfield stopper.
De Jong, like many defensive midfielders, won’t score many Fantasy Premier League points. He does tally the occasional goal and he is far more likely to add an assist than Fernandinho. The Brazilian has tallied one assist this season and 23 FPL points.
De Jong is an exciting player that would fit in well in Guardiola’s team. Manchester City’s Barcelona influenced style would suit the Ajax graduate. Of course, Barcelona learned their style of play from Ajax. De Jong would be the team’s midfield linchpin for some years to come.