De Jong: If I haven't played well then it's because of me, not because of my position Barcelona Explained he has talked with Valverde

Frenkie de Jong believes that any issues with his performances against Real Betis and Osasuna were his fault and not due to any change in his position.

Ernesto Valverde has used the Dutchman in a more advanced role in the midfield than the one he has played both at Ajax and with the Dutch national team.

"This is a simple position on the pitch and in the next matches I will do better," he told El Periodico.

"I have to adapt and I have talked with Valverde about football issues and we have watched videos.

"The coach should not ask me where I prefer to play, as he is the coach and he decides.

"At Ajax and with the national team I played in central midfield, but it is different because we played with a double pivot.

"Against Real Betis and Osasuna I played wider and if I didn't play well then it was my fault.

"People began to debate about my position, asking if I had to play here or there, and it seemed crazy."

The Dutchman insisted that he can feature in any position, although his preferred ones are those in the middle third.

"I have always played as a midfielder and I like it because you touch the ball a lot and you are at the centre of the game," he added.

"If you touch the ball a lot, you control the game.

"I have played in this position all my life, but I have once played as a striker.

"I also played in the defence about three years ago at Ajax, but my ambition is to be a midfielder."