Lamine Yamal reveals secret Frenkie de Jong chat before Feyenoord clash
Lamine Yamal shared that Frenkie de Jong provided insight into the Ajax-Feyenoord rivalry ahead of Barcelona's Champions League opener.
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Ahead of Barcelona's Champions League opener against Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou, 19-year-old star Lamine Yamal revealed he sought background information on the Dutch opponents. The winger turned to teammate Frenkie de Jong to better understand the significance of the fixture.
De Jong, a former Ajax midfielder, made his stance on the Rotterdam side very clear during their conversation. Yamal shared the Dutchman's blunt assessment of the rivalry:
I support Ajax and that Feyenoord is the big rival. Frenkie de Jong
While Yamal has played at Feyenoord's De Kuip stadium with Spain during a 2025 Nations League match, this will be his first time facing the club at the senior level. Manager Hansi Flick has praised Yamal's development, noting that the young forward is capable of deciding matches by himself.
Yamal also reflected on his new responsibility as the club's fifth captain. He highlighted the tactical intensity required by Flick, noting that high-intensity pressing is non-negotiable for success:
It's a privilege to be a captain at 19 years of age. If you don't run, every team can beat you. If we want to win, we have to run. Lamine Yamal