Last summer, Frenkie de Jong turned down Manchester United in favour of competing for a spot at Barcelona, and so far, that move is looking wise.

The classy Dutchman has since become a focal point of Xavi's midfield for the LaLiga leaders, despite the fact that United manager Erik ten Hag was eager to reunite with his former Ajax charge at Old Trafford.

We highlight the Blaugrana playmaker's impressive season as he gets ready to take on the Red Devils in the second leg of their Europa League knockout round play-off.

Summer saga

United’s pursuit of De Jong was one of the sagas of last summer, with Ten Hag identifying the 25-year-old as the ideal addition to implement a transformation of the Red Devils' fortunes.

The midfielder was at the heart of Ajax’s sensational run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 under the 53-year-old, and a reunion seemed to be a smart move on both sides.

De Jong had been in and out of Xavi’s starting XI last term, and the LaLiga giants' financial plight meant they were willing to part with the player they handed a five-year contract to in 2019.

But rather than succumbing to pressure to make the move, the talented creator stood firm and insisted he was happy in Catalonia.

Focal point

United eventually turned their attentions elsewhere by signing Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, moves that have both proved successful, but it is unlikely De Jong has been watching on with any sort of envy.

The Blaugrana have raced eight points clear at the top of LaLiga and the Oranje ace has been a regular presence, starting 16 of their 22 league games and missing out only once through injury.

Finding a natural heir to legendary midfield pivot Sergio Busquets has been an issue to solve for some time at the Camp Nou and De Jong has been a surprise revelation in that role.

Switching between that deeper position and a more advanced one, he has expertly dictated proceedings in the engine room and allowed burgeoning youngsters Pedri and Gavi to flourish.

No Barca player has completed more passes than the technically-gifted Dutchman in LaLiga this term, with only three beating his total of 1,076 in the division overall.

Suitable system

De Jong has also thrived alongside Busquets of late, with Xavi’s deployment of four midfielders, including shifting Gavi across to the right, proving effective in overloading the opposition.

A similar system was used in the first leg against United, with De Jong selected alongside Franck Kessie, and Xavi believes the tactics are getting the best out of his No21 in particular.

Xavi, 43, said: "We feel comfortable in any system. We’ve also played great games with two wingers.

"Actually, we never change much. Maybe with Frenkie and Busquets together, with four midfielders, we lose fewer balls.

"We have found the perfect position for Frenkie. I see he is happy."

That certainly looked to be the case, particularly in the first half, against the Red Devils last week.

De Jong completed 40 passes, took 50 touches, and won possession more times in the middle third (five) than anyone else on the field.