Frenkie de Jong has spoken out in defense of his young Barcelona teammate, Lamine Yamal, following the heated exchanges that took place during El Clásico. The Dutch midfielder didn’t hold back when addressing Dani Carvajal’s actions on the field, suggesting that the Real Madrid captain could have handled the situation with more maturity and respect.
According to De Jong, if Carvajal truly wanted to advise or correct Lamine, doing so privately would have been the appropriate and professional approach. “Carvajal can talk to Lamine in private,” De Jong remarked, emphasizing that confrontational gestures made in front of thousands of fans and cameras only fuel unnecessary drama and tension between the two sides. His statement reflects the growing concern about how senior players treat rising young talents under the spotlight.
He went further to criticize Carvajal’s public display, implying that such behavior contradicts the leadership qualities expected from a veteran player. “But making gestures on the pitch, you do the same thing,” De Jong noted, pointing out the irony in Carvajal’s actions. By calling him out, the Barça midfielder highlighted the need for accountability and consistency, even among experienced players who should be setting the right example.
De Jong concluded by reinforcing the importance of camaraderie and understanding, especially in a rivalry as intense as El Clásico. “If you’re a teammate and you know him, you can call him instead of doing it on the pitch,” he added. His remarks underline a broader message about football ethics — that personal issues should be handled with respect and discretion, not in the heat of the moment for the world to see.
In essence, De Jong’s words stand as a reminder that emotional intelligence and sportsmanship are as vital in football as skill and passion. Amidst the fierce competition, respect between players — especially veterans and young stars — remains crucial to maintaining the integrity of the game
