Inter Milan Boss Inzaghi Praises Frenkie de Jong as “Sensational” Despite Champions League Win Over Barcelona
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has showered Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong with praise following the Dutchman’s outstanding performance in their thrilling UEFA Champions League semi-final clash on Tuesday night.
De Jong Earns Special Recognition
Despite Inter Milan’s dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory that secured their place in the final, Inzaghi singled out De Jong as one of the match’s standout performers. The Barcelona midfielder made his return from injury for the crucial second leg and immediately made his presence felt.
“There was a lot of talk about [Lamine] Yamal, but for me, De Jong was just as extraordinary,” Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia. “He cleans the ball, times his passes so well — he is wonderful. I wouldn’t trade my players for anyone, but over the two legs, De Jong was really sensational.”
A Night of Champions League Drama
The match featured goals from Lautaro Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi’s extra-time strike sealed Inter’s passage to the final. The Italian giants will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the championship match.
De Jong’s Impactful Return
Having missed the first leg due to injury, De Jong’s return to the Barcelona lineup provided a significant boost to the Spanish side. His composed midfield performance and technical quality left a lasting impression on the victorious Inter manager, despite Barcelona’s eventual elimination.
The thrilling encounter, filled with end-to-end action and world-class individual performances, sets the stage for Inter Milan’s pursuit of European glory in the upcoming Champions League final.
Credit to the original source: Herald NG