Kieft praises young the Oranje attackers, sees fresh wind despite Koeman
Wim Kieft is pleasantly surprised by the new national team coach Xavi Hernandez, who, according to him, has a clear eye for young talent within the Oranje. The Spanish coach called up Mexx Meerdink, Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël, and the three young forwards immediately made their presence felt in their debut.
Young forwards get a chance
The call-up by Xavi Hernandez marks a notable shift towards youthful players in the national squad. Directly after the injury to Brian Brobbey, Meerdink came onto the field as a replacement, while Joshua Zirkzee was mentioned as an additional option. The young strikers immediately displayed their quality and received a first chance at the highest level.
In an interview Kieft emphasizes that Xavi, with Zirkzee and by passing veterans such as Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst, chooses a young, football‑playing striker. “It is certainly refreshing that he has an eye for young players like Meerdink, Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël,” says the former PSV striker.
Kieft sees opportunities for the future
Kieft explains that the young players already experience what it means to play at top level and to bear the pressure of the Dutch national team shirt. “In this way they experience themselves what it is to perform at top level and with the pressure of the Dutch national team shirt,” he says.
Xavi chooses Zirkzee over Weghorst after Brobbey's injury
He adds that the arrival of three talented newcomers brings new energy to the squad, without detracting from the quality. “Nothing to the detriment of Koeman, but as a new national team coach you have to revive the life in your squad after such a mediocre World Cup. New faces can provide that,” says Kieft.
Meerdink performed well against Germany and still has to fulfil his promise. “Meerdink can reward himself with a new selection for the Oranje in November. Then he must make his mark over the next nine days and convince Xavi that he is a man for the future in the striker position for the Dutch national team,” writes Kieft.
For Ruben van Bommel the same applies according to Kieft. “It was nice to see how he manifested himself. Will it all hold up? After their debut the real start begins and they will face pressure and expectations. How will Meerdink and Van Bommel deal with that?” he asks.
The contrasts between the fresh wind of the three newcomers and the continued position of Koeman as national team coach show that the Oranje is both rejuvenating and holding on to stability, a dynamic that will be closely monitored in the coming months.