So let me get this straight, de Jong slows us down too much. So, with him being out of the side for the last month, we've been lightning fast, direct, attacking machines, yeh? Try again. For the month he's been out we've been just as slow, if not slower in building attacks. It's the way we play, it's the way our lads are instructed to play. Yes, de Jong does play backwards a fair bit, he wins the ball in situations that other players couldn't dream of, and distributes the ball simply, which is a lot better than 1) not winning the ball at all and 2) winning the ball and launching it senselessly.
As for the stats merchants, there's a lot more to football than stats. Barry can make more tackles and interceptions on paper, but you need to study the game to see a players' influence. Most of the interventions Barry picks up probably come from some defensive work from de Jong, whether it be a piece of intelligent pressing, standing off, shepherding etc. The stats can say whatever they like, de Jong is a much better player and more important to our side.
