Frenkie de Jong: "Messi is different. He is by far the best player in the world"

Frenkie De Jong spoke to beIN USA ahead of FC Barcelona's match against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The Dutch midfielder claims the team are full of confidence after beating Napoli at the Camp Nou. "I think it was an OK match. I think we did well against a good team. Napoli is a difficult opponent but we had a good lead at all times. We got a good result in the first half so we could relax a bit in the second."

"The team is very confident going to Lisbon. We are one of the best teams in the world with some great players. We have very positive energy and are feeling fine as a team.”

On who is the favourite to win the competition, de Jong didn't want to be drawn into that debate."I don’t mind who the favourites are. Bayern have a really good team and are in really good form but we’ll what happens. After the game on Friday we can say who’s best," he insisted. "We are one of the favourites, but Barça always are. But there are several teams that could win the Champions League. The format gives a little advantage to the underdogs. They have a better chance to cause surprises in one game than they have in a home and away game.”

De Jong has found it easy to adapt to life in Barcelona thanks to his teammates. "We have a strong team with some very good midfielders. I have no problem playing with any of them. Sergio Busquets has helped me a lot, especially at first. Not just talking about football, but about life too, telling me stuff about the club. I have a great relationship with all my team-mates.”

And finally Frenkie was asked to give his opinion on three names: Riqui Puig, Miralem Pjanic and Leo Messi.

"Riqui has done very well this season. He is a skilled and talented, a great player to have come out of La Masia".

"Pjanic is a great player and very good on the ball. I played against him last season so I know he will make the team stronger.”

"Messi is different to the rest. He is by far the best player in the world. Having Messi in your team is a massive advantage.”