De Jong: Memphis connection can help me hit the ground running at Barca
Robin Bairner
- 9 Sept 2021 14:02 BST
- 5 min read
Luuk de Jong believes the connection he already has with new Barcelona team-mates Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong will help him settle at his new club.
De Jong was a surprise addition to the club on Deadline Day, with Barca acting late in the window to secure his arrival from Sevilla.
The Catalans were driven by their lack of natural centre forward, and though De Jong does not fit the mould of an archetypal Barcelona player, the player is nevertheless optimistic that he can make a positive impression.
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“The first days have gone very well,” he said. “I’ve been received very well. Barca really are more than a club, they are a family and I felt it directly once I arrived here.”
Moreover, De Jong is hopeful he can build on existing relationships to settle quickly.
We have a very good connection without words, we use the language of football and I hope to have the same connection at Barca
- Luuk de Jong“I have a good relationship with the coach because we already knew each other from the national team and I am happy to be here,” he said before turning his attentions to the in-form Memphis Depay, who has been impressive since arriving on a free transfer from Lyon in the summer.
“I have a very good relationship with Memphis. I know him from the national team and from PSV. We have a very good connection without words, we use the language of football and I hope to have the same connection at Barca. I know Frenkie and as a striker it is good to have so much quality behind you.”
De Jong hopeful on Bayern debut
Meanwhile, De Jong is hopeful he can debut in Tuesday’s Champions League match with Bayern Munich.
“I feel very good,” he confirmed. “I had a knee injury where I was recovering for two months but I have been training for three or four weeks. I feel fit and prepared.
“I don't know what plans the coach has for the next game but I feel ready.
“I think Koeman wants a forward a little different from the ones he has to change the tactics a bit. I can give him the type of game he wants and I hope it goes well.”
De Jong scored 19 goals in 94 games for Sevilla and was seen as a surprising arrival at Barcelona.
