Xavi Hernandez has had plenty of praise for Frenkie de Jong, describing the Barcelona star as “very underrated” and saying he shares similarities with the Dutchman.

De Jong has faced plenty of criticism during his time at Barcelona but hit a new landmark in midweek as he became the Dutchman with the most appearances for the club.

Xavi says that De Jong is among a selection of midfielders who are simply a cut above the rest right now.

“There’s Pedri, there’s Vitinha, there’s Mac Allister… There are three or four players who for me are among the best because they understand collective football,” he said in a chat with Romario on his TV channel.

“They understand that, when they pass the ball, they’re already thinking about the next play, even the double play. They don’t pass for passing: they understand the game. Pedri, for example, has it. Also Frenkie de Jong, who for me is very underrated. I think he’s a similar player to what I was.”

De Jong has recently returned to fitness and is closing in on winning his third La Liga title with Barcelona after joining the club from Ajax in 2019.