“Many people understand nothing about football” - De Jong hits out at critics who say he never plays forward passes after FIFA World Cup display

× Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has hit out at critics following the Netherlands' 5-1 win against Sweden in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronald Koeman's side absolutely outclassed Sweden to secure their first win in the tournament. Ad The Netherlands could only secure a 2-2 draw against Japan in their FIFA World Cup opener.

However, they came up with a much-improved display against Sweden to secure all three points. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored braces for the Oranje whille Crysencio Summerville scored once. On the other hand, Anthony Elanga scored the only goal for Sweden.

Frenkie de Jong started the game for the Netherlands at the base of midfield and was subbed off in the 59th minute. The 29-year-old controlled the game while he was on the pitch and registered a passing accuracy of 96%. Ad Trending Following the game, de Jong hit out at the people who criticise him for not making forward passes.

He said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano: “Many people actually understand nothing about football. They watch, but they don’t really see. I hear people saying I never play forward passes…

but that’s simply not true. Then you’re not really watching.” Ad The midfield maestro had 60 touches of the ball and made 11 passes into the final third.

He also made three tackles, two clearances, one interception and seven recoveries. De Jong, aged 29, is among the senior players in Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Barcelona star has earned 68 caps for his country till date, scoring twice and providing nine assists.

Jurgen Klopp hits back at former Netherlands star after his comments about Virgil van Dijk at FIFA World Cup Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart for his comments regarding Virgil van Dijk. The former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker criticised the Reds skipper after the Netherlands' 2-2 draw against Japan in their FIFA World Cup opener. Ad Van der Vaart compared the Dutch skipper to a 'Boeing 747' aeroplane for his inability to turn in tight spaces.

He said: "I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk. With him, I thought: that doesn’t look good. Especially while turning.

It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament."

Ad Klopp has come forward to defend van Dijk, who played six and a half seasons under him at Liverpool. The veteran defender made 270 appearances under the German at Anfield and won every trophy, including the Premier League and the Champions League. He said: "I'm not entirely sure if it's worth mentioning Rafael van der Vaart.

But if he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I'll be happy to take him seriously again. You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be formulated in a flowery way, and then he's really against it. But that way it's really not important."

The Netherlands secured a huge 5-1 win against Sweden on Saturday, June 20 in their second FIFA World Cup game. They will take on Tunisia in their final group bstage game on June 25. × Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Snehanjan Banerjee Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has hit out at critics following the Netherlands' 5-1 win against Sweden in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronald Koeman's side absolutely outclassed Sweden to secure their first win in the tournament. Ad The Netherlands could only secure a 2-2 draw against Japan in their FIFA World Cup opener.

However, they came up with a much-improved display against Sweden to secure all three points. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored braces for the Oranje whille Crysencio Summerville scored once. On the other hand, Anthony Elanga scored the only goal for Sweden.

Frenkie de Jong started the game for the Netherlands at the base of midfield and was subbed off in the 59th minute. The 29-year-old controlled the game while he was on the pitch and registered a passing accuracy of 96%. Ad Trending Following the game, de Jong hit out at the people who criticise him for not making forward passes.

He said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano: “Many people actually understand nothing about football. They watch, but they don’t really see. I hear people saying I never play forward passes…

but that’s simply not true. Then you’re not really watching.” Ad The midfield maestro had 60 touches of the ball and made 11 passes into the final third.

He also made three tackles, two clearances, one interception and seven recoveries. De Jong, aged 29, is among the senior players in Ronald Koeman's Netherlands squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Barcelona star has earned 68 caps for his country till date, scoring twice and providing nine assists.

Jurgen Klopp hits back at former Netherlands star after his comments about Virgil van Dijk at FIFA World Cup Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has slammed former Ne