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Xavi labels Barcelona star a 'genius' after Napoli triumph


 

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez was quick to single one often under-appreciated member of his squad out for special praise this evening, on the back of the club's meeting with Italian giants SSC Napoli.

The player in question? Frenkie de Jong.

Dutch international de Jong, of course the target of regular criticism on the part of the Blaugrana faithful across the campaign to date, was afforded his latest start in the middle of the park on Thursday.

And the former Ajax star went on to take full advantage of the opportunity, shining throughout proceedings in Naples, and even managing to chip in with his side's 2nd of the night in brilliant fashion:

In turn, as alluded to above, Xavi was quick to reveal his delight with de Jong on the back of the full-time whistle.

After being drawn on his side's impressive display, the Barcelona boss went as far as to label de Jong 'a genius', who, this evening, was 'really really amazing':

Auba amongst the goals

The goal netted by their midfield standout actually came as just one of four goals racked up by Barcelona at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Thursday.

Also on target against Napoli were all of Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique and, for the fourth time in two games, January addition Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang:

Barca, in turn, keep their hopes of Europa League alive, amid an increasingly encouraging recent uptick in form.

 

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Conor Laird

Conor Laird

Die-hard Juventus fan with a love for all things Italian, and a real soft spot for Arsenal cult heroes. Emmanuel Eboue, Nicklas Bendtner, Philippe Senderos... Give them all statues outside the Emirates.


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