Barça's De Jong: I can still play better but of course I am happy

Barça's De Jong: I can still play better but of course I am happy

The Dutch midfielder is finding his best form at Camp Nou

Frenkie de Jong scored one and made another against Elche on Sunday as his development into one of Barcelona's most important players continued.

The Dutch midfielder has been in great form since the turn of the year. His goal against Elche was his fourth of the season and he then set up Riqui Puig for the second in the 2-0 win with a driving run.

De Jong is playing much further forward and taking on instructions from coach Ronald Koeman to get into the box as much as possible.

Barça are seeing the returns. They're now unbeaten in nine in La Liga and have won their last four league games, all away from Camp Nou.

"I think since the start of the year we have been a bit better and we have played every game away from home as well, winning all of them in La Liga, so I think we're a bit better, yes," De Jong told Movistar after the Elche win.  

"We pressed well I think because they want to come out from the back, so it's difficult if you don't press well as a team. We worked hard, it was a tough game and I am happy with the win."  

On his own form, he said: "I want to play better, not just for goals and assists, but happy yes!"  

De Jong also confirmed he touched the ball before it crossed the line for the first goal, although it had already been attributed to him.

"Yes, yes, yes, yesm" he smiled when asked if he touched it.  

He added: "Mentally we're good, we've been working hard all year, growing and improving little by little. I hope we continue like this."

And can Barça track down Atletico Madrid at the top? "We have to focus on our own games and see where that takes us."  

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