De Jong must force Xavi to choose Oufkir, or else a country switch

Valentijn Driessen calls on the KNVB to adopt clearer rules for players with dual nationality, after he saw how Ajax talent Abdellah Ouazane debuted for Morocco and he fears a similar scenario with the 20‑year‑old Ayoub Oufkir in the near future.

Driessen sees that AZ player Oufkir could become important for the Netherlands, because the squad at the right‑wing position is currently thin.

‘The depth at the right‑wing position is thin for the Netherlands, with only Crysencio Summerville. That gives Oufkir perspective,’ says Driessen. ‘Only he also holds Moroccan nationality and can also choose Morocco.’

The 20‑year‑old Oufkir kept both options open for the future.

Xavi must call Ayoub Oufkir quickly before he chooses Morocco

Policy of the KNVB and dual passports

‘Top‑football director Nigel de Jong of the KNVB wants internationals with a dual passport to make a country choice at 18,’ writes Driessen. ‘Oufkir is apparently an exception.’

Driessen therefore argues that De Jong should compel Xavi to select Oufkir to prevent a national‑team switch. He emphasizes that this is in the long‑term interest of the Dutch national team.

He also points to Feyenoord talent Ibrahim Faik, who previously played for Moroccan youth teams but recently decided to focus on the Dutch youth national teams. ‘If Faik reaches the Netherlands, he can serve as an example for talents with dual nationality to choose the Netherlands.’