Sharp contrast: Frenkie de Jong goes from 6% to 58% Netherlands absence rate

De Jong has missed 58% of Netherlands matches in recent years due to injury, compared to just 6% early in his international career.

Frenkie de Jong's relationship with the Netherlands national team has deteriorated significantly due to recurring injuries. The Barcelona midfielder made his debut on 6 September 2018 against Peru and quickly became a key player, missing only 3 of his first 52 caps — an absence rate of just 5.8%.

However, the past few years have seen a dramatic reversal. De Jong has now missed 29 of his last 50 international matches, an absence rate of 58%, including the recent World Cup. He was ruled out of Monday's Nations League match against Germany due to physical problems.

Over the years he has suffered injuries to his ankle, hamstring and knee, significantly impacting his availability for the national team.