Rafael van der Vaart expressed that it is “somewhat regrettable” that Manchester United attacker Joshua Zirkzee would be relegated to the bench for the Netherlands’ Nations League match against Germany tomorrow evening.
Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman has stated that centre-forward Zirkzee will be relegated to the bench, despite the 23-year-old scoring in his inaugural start for the national team against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday night.
Ajax attacker Brian Brobbey will be selected to play against Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany, despite former midfield master Van de Vaart and another ex-Dutch great Pierre van Hooijdonk expressing reservations about this choice.
“What are the benefits for Koeman in this situation?” Van der Vaart stated on the Dutch television network NOS. “Envision Brobbey performing exceptionally against a formidable nation such as Germany, or conversely, underperforming…” I believe I would proceed in this manner. What is the rationale for implementing a change?He has already articulated it, naturally, and he will proceed with his intentions. However, that is quite regrettable, really.
Van Hooijdonk stated, “It is regrettable that Koeman has already announced Brobbey’s participation against Germany, as one is genuinely eager to observe the performance of this duo [Zirkzee and Tijjani Reijnders] against a formidable opponent.”
Zirkzee received acclaim for his performance against Bosnia, having also provided an assist for Reijnders.
Renowned commentator Hans Kraay Jr, who had a two-year tenure at Brighton during his extensive career, stated: “He delivers the pass with precisely the correct velocity, enabling Reijnders to curl it with his inside foot.”Zirkzee has remarkable intelligence. He not only executes the pass while in motion, but he also delivers it with sufficient softness, ensuring it reaches Reijnders’ left side. I find that to be really wonderful.
Zirkzee, acquired from Bologna for £36.5 million, scored as a substitute on his Premier League debut against Fulham, but got his initial start during the heavy defeat to Liverpool prior to the international break. Head coach Erik ten Hag faces more pressure as United resumes their campaign against Southampton on Saturday at noon.
Kraay Jr expressed his conviction that Zirkzee may become a prolific striker if he acclimates, stating, “I believe he has the potential to score a minimum of twenty goals annually.”
