“He Gave Us No Chance to Win” – Real Betis Star Antony Hails Barcelona’s Unsung Hero After Masterclass Performance That Left Everyone Speechless
In the aftermath of what many are calling one of the most intense and physically demanding clashes of the La Liga season so far, Real Betis winger Antony has come out with glowing praise for one Barcelona player whose name wasn’t even on most fans’ lips heading into the fixture. But by the final whistle, it was clear to everyone that this player had stolen the spotlight.
“Ever since I started my career as a player,” Antony began during his post-match interview, “I have never for once played against such a brilliant player like him. He gave us a tough time. Despite the fact that we played our best, he didn’t give us a chance to win.”
Those are massive words coming from a player who has faced top-tier defenders and elite midfielders in both South America and Europe. And yet, it wasn’t Lamine Yamal, the electric teenage sensation who’s already turning heads across Europe, and it wasn’t the ever-graceful Pedri, whose vision and control often dictate Barcelona’s tempo. No, this time, the praise was directed at a player who doesn’t always get the headlines but is finally starting to be recognized for what he truly is — a tireless workhorse and an invaluable asset for Xavi’s side.
The player in question? Frenkie de Jong.
Yes, the Dutch midfield dynamo was at his absolute best, dictating play, breaking down Real Betis’ counters, and initiating attacks with the kind of composure and energy that left even the Betis players gasping for breath. Antony, who saw plenty of the ball during the match, found himself repeatedly stifled by De Jong’s relentless pressing and intelligent positioning.
“Honestly, he never stopped running,” Antony added. “He was everywhere. It felt like there were two or three of him on the pitch. Just when you thought you had space, he’d close you down. When we tried to build up, he’d intercept. And when they had the ball, he was creating and supporting the attack like an extra winger. That kind of intensity is rare.”
Frenkie de Jong has had his ups and downs in a Barcelona shirt, especially with the club going through financial instability and tactical changes in recent years. But games like this are a reminder of why he was one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders during his Ajax days — and why Xavi continues to put his trust in him as a key figure in Barça’s midfield engine room.
Xavi, for his part, was full of praise after the match. “Frenkie was immense today. We needed someone to control the pace, read the game, and give us that extra push in the middle. He delivered all of that and more.”
While the media buzz often centers around the youth revolution at Barcelona, with the likes of Gavi, Yamal, and Fermin Lopez grabbing headlines, it’s seasoned professionals like De Jong who ensure the team maintains its structure, grit, and rhythm. And on a night where Real Betis came into Camp Nou hungry for an upset, it was De Jong who slammed the door shut with a masterclass performance that even the opposition couldn’t ignore.
If there was ever any doubt about Frenkie de Jong’s value to Barcelona, last night should serve as the ultimate rebuttal. When opponents walk off the pitch singing your praises — especially ones as proud and competitive as Antony — that says more than any stat sheet ever could.
As La Liga heats up, Barça fans can rest easy knowing that in the heart of their midfield, they have a warrior who not only does the dirty work but earns the respect of every rival he silences.