Joshua Zirkzee has not exactly hit the ground running following his summer move to Manchester United.
The 23-year-old striker was the first signing of the summer at Old Trafford as Ineos looked to strengthen the forward options available to Erik ten Hag.
After Rasmus Hojlund suffered an injury in pre-season, Joshua Zirkzee was thrown straight into the starting lineup and he made a dream start by scoring on his Premier League debut against Fulham.
However, that remains his only goal so far for the Red Devils with 10 appearances now under his belt.
United have struggled offensively this season and it is clear that Zirkzee has suffered a drop in confidence during the early months of his United career.
Joshua Zirkzee struggles continue on international duty
Zirkzee was one of many United players called up to international duty this week and the break came at a great time for the young forward to step back and try to rebuild his confidence.
However, Dutch media complained about Zirkzee after his latest performance in the 1-1 draw with Hungary.
He started up front for Ronald Koeman’s side but struggled to make an impact and was taken off with 15 minutes left on the clock for strike partner Brian Brobbey.
Koeman explained Zirkzee’s poor performance and admitted the out-of-form United striker “had a very hard time”.
Zirkzee may get a chance to turn things around when Netherlands face Germany in the Nations League on Monday evening.
Joshua Zirkzee compared to Memphis Depay
It is fair to say Zirkzee’s display against Hungary didn’t go down great with the Dutch media, and former Premier League star Rafael van der Vaart has now had his say.
As quoted by Dutch outlet VoetbalPrimeur, Van der Vaart said: “He has everything, but I miss a kick in his ass. He lets it all happen a bit. You see Brian Brobbey dragging himself. Imagine playing against Brobbey, then you would have a very unpleasant afternoon or evening.
“He drops back a lot, just like Memphis. And then I think Memphis is even better.”
It is not the first time Zirkzee was compared to a “poor man’s Memphis Depay” since his Manchester United move.
Memphis Depay joined United for £25m but failed to live up to expectations and left in 2017 having only scored seven goals in 53 appearances.
Former Dutch striker Wim Kieft was also unimpressed by Zirkzee and told De Telegraaf: “Joshua Zirkzee is someone who is quite good at keeping the ball, but who likes to pull away from the striker too much to play football.
“He has not helped the Dutch national team with that. It may not be explicitly so, but Zirkzee gives the outsider the idea that playing along in a match is more important to him as a striker than scoring.”
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