Marc-Andre Ter Stegen hails Frenkie de Jong influence at Barcelona

De Jong had an underwhelming first couple of seasons at Barca but has risen to the fore this season with some of his best performances since joining the club from Ajax Amsterdam four years ago.

The 25-year-old has flourished since the switch to a midfield four alongside the likes of starlets Pedri and Gavi and Ter Stegen says De Jong is someone who can be an excellent role model for the youthful playmaking duo.

"He brings a lot to the team," Ter Stegen said of De Jong, who is in his fourth season at Barca..

"I have a super high opinion of him, but I also expect a lot from him because he has so much talent. He sees and feels football in a different way. He is someone that players like Gavi and Pedri, for example, can look up to.

"I was hoping he would stay because, in the end, this is the type of player I want in my team. Of course, there were many rumours and discussions and whatever, but I am just happy he is here. I don't want him to leave.

"I think one day I will put him something here [gestures tying him down] to just keep him here always, forever, and I hope he will be here for [a] long [time]."

The Blaugrana shot-stopper then gave his assessment of Pedri and Gavi, whom he wants to see keeping their feet grounded firmly to the floor.

"It's not just about playing good or bad, what I want is that they see there is always space to improve," the German international advised.

"Even though people don't see it, there are situations in which you can get better. They are working individually with videos and this is what I want because, in the end, it doesn't matter if you are 30 or 18, you want to get better and progress in what you do.

"I don't want them to be relaxed about what they're achieving -- which is crazy and I am really happy for them. But, of course, they have a responsibility at this young age for the team and for themselves that they take care, that they sleep well... these are the little details. And I admit, it feels like they are in this business for a long time."

Ter Stegen made special mention of Gavi whom he described "as aggressive in training as in matches."

"He doesn't care if the guy next to him is two metres tall, he fights for every ball, which is nice to see," he added. "This is what we need and this is why he is very different from the player types we had before. This is why he is very, very important for the team and for the group.

"It's also probably a bit about his mentality. He didn't worry a lot [when promoted to the senior side] and this is actually what makes him really, really strong because he doesn't think about the consequences, which is nice. This is what we needed."

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