Frenkie de Jong caps off dominating performance against Almeria by scoring second goal of the season

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Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong capped off a dominating performance against Almeria by scoring his second goal of the season for Barcelona.

Making his fifth consecutive La Liga start for the Catalan giants, the 25-year-old scored his second goal of the season in Barca’s 2-0 win against promoted side Almeria, who had former United youngsters Largie Ramazani and Arnau Puigmal feature, at the Nou Camp last night.

Barcelona’s number 21 scored in what was former United defender Gerard Pique’s last professional game before calling time on his glittering playing career.

Having gifted Ramazani a glorious chance to open the scoring, the former Ajax midfielder put the mistake behind him and inspired Xavi’s side to a comfortable victory.

In the 62nd minute, Ansu Fati’s effort from just inside the penalty area, following a Jordi Alba cross was saved, but the ball fell perfectly for De Jong who smashed the ball into the roof of the net to score his second goal of the season.

Frenkie de Jong caps off dominating performance against Almeria by scoring second goal of the season

Against Almeria, the 45-time Netherlands international had 109 touches and created five chances. Only teammate Alba had more touches (114) and created more chances (6) than the midfield maestro, as per WhoScored.

As well as completing all three of his attempted dribbles, De Jong won three duels and worked tirelessly out of possession to win the ball back for Xavi’s side.

Hassling and harrying, no player from either side made as many fouls as the Oranje technician (5).

The majority of Manchester United’s summer transfer window was fixated on reuniting De Jong with his former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Despite a £63.5 million fee being agreed with the Catalans, De Jong wasn’t keen on a move to the Theatre of Dreams and ironically didn’t want to forego Champions League football.

De Jong could well reunite with Ten Hag still this season, but that all depends on how both Manchester United and Barcelona progress in the Europa League.

With Blaugrana finishing third in their Champions League group and the Red Devils finishing second in Europa League Group E, the two sides could be drawn against one and other in tomorrow’s play-off draw.

Manchester United signed two world-class midfielders in Christian Eriksen and Casemiro during the summer but given how highly Ten Hag rates his former prodigy, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the twenty-time league champions reignite interest in De Jong, especially if his stance on a move to M16 drastically changes.