'Plays like a postman!' - Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong savaged after Champions League draw with Napoli

Barcelona drew 1-1 with Napoli in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie, and Van der Vaart was left unimpressed by De Jong's performance. The former Tottenham and Real Madrid star claimed that his compatriot plays "like a postman" and simply does not keep up with the required pace.

Van der Vaart said on Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands while working as a pundit (via Mundo Deportivo): "Frenkie de Jong plays football like a postman. He takes too long to pass the ball forward, instead he keeps running and carrying it to his teammate. Once you move away from your opponent, you must keep the ball moving and pass the ball."

De Jong has seen his season disrupted by injury, with an ankle strain ruling him out for seven La Liga matches earlier this term. He has only managed to score one goal this season, regardless, and has failed to provide an assist.

De Jong has been linked with a move away from the Catalan club as he is yet to sign a new contract and has subsequently been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. Barcelona have handed him an ultimatum to either sign a new deal or leave permanently.