Frenkie De Jong, the complete midfielder who was outstanding against Eibar

Frenkie de Jong is enjoying a stellar start to the season with Barcelona.

He's become an integral part of Ernesto Valverde's team and is putting in decisive performances game after game.

On Saturday, the Dutchman ran the show against Eibar, earning a round of applause from the Ipurua crowd when he was substituted in the 79th minute.

"It was amazing, I can only say thank you," De Jong said about the ovation afterwards.

De Jong's heat map against Eibar

His Ivan Rakitic display was full of precise passing, technical skill, drive, leadership and control before he was replaced by.

Despite the massive competition in a stacked Barcelona midfield, De Jong has managed to stamp down his starting place.

He's played in each of Barcelona's 11 matches this season, scoring once and providing one assist - both came against Valencia.

Adaptation

De Jong seems to be settling in perfectly to Spanish football and contributing attributes of his own game too.

He completed 45 of his 50 passes against Eibar but also won eight balls and won 58 percent of the duels he entered into.

Valverde has Sergio Busquets, Arthur Melo, Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto and Carles Alena to choose from, but he already knows the first midfield name on his teamsheet.