Ronald Koeman provided an explanation on Tuesday regarding the call-up of Jerdy Schouten. The 26-year-old PSV player is included in the Dutch national team's squad for the first time.
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Schouten returned to the Netherlands last summer after having played for Bologna for several years. 'I believe it's justified that he's included,' Koeman stated during the Netherlands national team's press conference. 'Based on what he's showing at his club, both domestically and at the Champions League level. I recognize his qualities.'
When asked whether Schouten should have been considered earlier, Koeman responded, 'If Bologna had been playing in the Champions League, it wouldn't have made a difference.' He added, 'I don't mean to say that the Italian league isn't strong. I've been to Italy before, when Memphis Depay was injured. I watched AS Roma for Justin Kluivert, and at that time, I found Schouten to be the best player on the field.'
'But it's clear that when you return to the Netherlands, you are even more in the spotlight. And you're playing at the Champions League level. I don't lose sleep over a match where PSV easily wins. I do watch, but I don't consider that the norm. The norm is primarily Champions League level.'
Timber
The name of Quinten Timber, who was named VI's Player of the Week this past weekend, also came up during the press conference in Zeist on Tuesday. 'Fortunately, we have a lot of competition in multiple positions. You compare it to players you have previously selected. It's clear that Timber is doing well, as you could see against AZ. He was the best Feyenoord player in that match. If he continues like this, you have to consider your options. Everything is open towards a European Championship (EK). Sometimes things can change very quickly. Reijnders joined, and now everyone is already placing him in the starting eleven. It also depends on whether you have a stable group.'
Clasie
Jordy Clasie is one of the players who have declined the opportunity to play for the Dutch national team. Koeman assumes that we won't see the midfielder from AZ anymore. 'In the previous period, I had contact with him, as well as with Schouten. I have a history with Jordy; he was also in a situation where it was a bit too much from a medical perspective. He told me that he wasn't available, not even for a potential European Championship. You have to want and be able to be part of something, throughout a whole cycle. I prefer not to leave out players who have contributed significantly. I see it as a group process. But at the moment, it's not on the table at all. Players decline for a reason, so I assume they won't come back.'
