Fit Frenkie de Jong set to lead Netherlands squad with 'greatest potential'

The 29-year-old has struggled with a series of minor injuries, most notably an ankle problem that ruled him out of Euro 2024 and more recently a hamstring tear that caused him to miss the last two international matches in March.

His total of 64 caps could have been significantly higher if not for these setbacks, and the Dutch will be eagerly awaiting a fit Frenkie de Jong for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

He is the team's engine, controlling the pace of play and directing the flow and direction from his deep-lying position at the heart of midfield. His sharp passing adds an extra layer to the Netherlands' attacking threat.

It was no surprise that when he missed a number of games for Barcelona as they retained the La Liga title last month, concerns about his availability resurfaced, although Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman was quick to allay any fears.

"We are not worried, although it would have been better had he played," Koeman said.

'That is an eternity'

De Jong has been to two major tournaments, but missing Euro 2024 in Germany was a significant disappointment. His ankle injury kept him out of action for nearly six months.

"For someone like me, that is an eternity. It was the toughest period of my life," he said.

"I missed some games at Ajax in 2018, which was when Ronald Koeman was about to call me up for the national team. He was actually at the training when it happened.

"I tried to block a ball and landed wrong, and I tore my ligaments in my other ankle. But that was nothing compared to this one," he said.

De Jong returned to help the Netherlands qualify for the World Cup and last month became the Dutch player with the most appearances for Barcelona (293), which highlighted his value to the club, which has had a long line of such greats from Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens to Patrick Kluivert and Koeman.

This World Cup is an opportunity for De Jong to carve out a further place for himself among his country's leading footballers.

"You have even more desire to be there and to get the most out of it. Since my time with the Dutch team, I think we now have the squad with the greatest potential. But we also need to make sure we become the best team," he told The Guardian.