Most people seem to forget that he has only played 1 season as a midfielder on the highest level.
Oke technically 2, because he played as an attacking midfielder for Jong Ajax. But they play in the second division. So it's not the highest level.
But Frenkie didn't had an easy career imo.
When he debuted for Willem 2 (16 years). He was the most talented player of the team. But he didn't play that much. Because they were fighting for relegation
They needed physically strong players. Not players who are great on the ball.
A few months later he went to Ajax. He played mostly with Jong Ajax (reserve team like Barca B).
His other team mates were given a chance at Ajax 1; Nouri, vd Beek, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Justin Kluivert etc etc. But Frenkie was still playing for Jong Ajax.
According to former coach Peter Bozs. Frenkie walks to much with the ball. He should play the ball quicker. But that's just his playing style.
That's like asking Messi not to dribble past defenders.
When Peter Bozs left. Other former Ajax coach Marcel Keizer gave him a chance. But he made him play as a CB .
Yes, my boy Frenkie played a whole season next to De Ligt.
De Ligt was basically a one man army most of the time. Because all what Frenkie did was dribbling forward like a prime Beckenbauer. Can't blame him. Boy just wanted to play on the midfield afterall.
This season is his first season as a midfielder on the highest level. And it's not even his best position (poor Frenkie). He's an attacking midfielder by nature. And most (if not all) peoples seem to forget that.
De Ligt's career on the other hand. Is like a fairy tale.
De Ligt at 15: Best player youth academy
De Ligt at 16: Debut for Jong Ajax (second division)
De Ligt at 17: Debut Ajax 1 and EL final
De Ligt at 18: Captain Ajax 1
De Ligt at 19: CL Semi Final/Nation League Final.... transfer to Juve.
That's why most people will tell you that De Ligt is the bigger talent.
Frenkie was very unlucky. Most people with his talent debut when they are 17. But Frenkie has only played one season on his natural position (at Jong Ajax). And he's already 22.
He's not a late bloomer like v Dijk. Frenkie always had the talent, he always was great. But his talent was never appreciated. He was just very unlucky.
So please Valverde.... don't play him as RB and ruin his career. He had enough traumas already in his early carreeer
Anyway...we are trolling about Valverde. But i think he's right. We need to give Frenkie time to adept. Give him a few weeks (maybe even a few months).
He will boss midfields in Europa. But let's not forget Ajax ain't Barca.
It wil be nice if he'll be a starter right away. But if not, it's not the end of the world.
I know the expectations are high. but his time will come.