Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi has heaped praise on Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong following his standout performance in the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between both sides on Tuesday night.
Despite a thrilling second-leg encounter that ended in a 4-3 win for Inter Milan after extra time, Inzaghi singled out De Jong as one of the most impressive players on the pitch.
“There was a lot of talk about [Lamine] Yamal, but for me, De Jong was just as extraordinary,” Inzaghi said in a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia. “He cleans the ball, times his passes so well — he is wonderful. I wouldn’t trade my players for anyone, but over the two legs, De Jong was really sensational.”
The dramatic tie saw goals from Lautaro Martínez, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi’s extra-time strike sealed Inter’s place in the final. They will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.
De Jong, who missed the first leg due to injury, returned to action in the second leg and left a strong impression on the Inter boss, even as his side bowed out of the competition.
The match, filled with end-to-end action and standout individual displays, now sets the stage for Inter Milan’s shot at European glory in the Champions League final.
