Eredivisie
Ten Hag names Frenkie de Jong best player he ever coached
Erik ten Hag has named Frenkie de Jong as the best player he has ever coached during his career. Ten Hag, speaking in the SEG Stories presents: Villa SEG programme, highlighted De Jong’s unique qualities under pressure and his ability to create space.
Ten Hag, who has managed Ajax, Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, described De Jong as having more time on the ball than any other player. He praised the Oranje-international’s mental and physical attributes, noting his combination of speed and intelligence.
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“That is quite a conscience question,” Ten Hag said with a laugh when asked to name his best player. “I have coached quite a few who could play at a high level.” He later confirmed De Jong as his choice, adding that having him in the team “feels good.” Ten Hag also explained why teams struggle against sides featuring De Jong. “It is very difficult to put a team under pressure when Frenkie de Jong is playing,” he said. “He always creates space for himself and gets the team playing. He is not only quick in his head, but he has the speed of a winger.” Robin van Persie, present during the discussion, agreed with Ten Hag’s assessment. “I can confirm that,” he concluded, laughing.