In a candid moment, De Jong addressed lingering concerns about his ankle, which had troubled him in the past. He confidently declared, "I feel completely fine and don’t think about it anymore while playing." This positive outlook comes after a period of uncertainty regarding his recovery, which he found mentally challenging. "It took a long time and because you didn’t know how long it would last, a kind of doubt arose. I sometimes found that quite difficult to deal with. But now it’s going fine," he said.
The challenge against Spain will not only showcase de Jong's skills but also pit him against several Barcelona teammates, notably the rising star Lamine Yamal. Regarding Yamal, de Jong praised his compatriot, saying, "He is very good. I see him as a natural talent and as a player of the highest category. It is important that we fight him as a team." Such admiration underlines the chemistry and camaraderie within the Barcelona squad, even amidst fierce competition.
As for the matchup, Spain is widely recognized as the favorite, but De Jong holds a different perspective. "For many people, Spain is the favorite, but I don’t think like that. Of course they are very good, but we are ready to make it a great match," he asserted, demonstrating the confidence and determination that has characterized his playing style. This belief in his team's capabilities will be essential as they face off against a formidable opponent.