Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman decided to leave Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee on the bench for their Nations League clash against Germany.
Just days after Joshua Zirkzee put in a superb display against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 23-year-old was dropped to the bench against Germany.
Joshua Zirkzee scored and assisted in the 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and created a staggering four chances in just 74 minutes.
Brian Brobbey, who was linked with a move to United over the summer, stepped in to replace Zirkzee against Germany but he failed to etch his name onto the scoresheet in a 2-2 draw.
Koeman has a key decision to make over who will be the regular striker for the Netherlands, and it appears he has now made his choice.
Joshua Zirkzee set for regular Netherlands role
Brobbey and Zirkzee both offer something very different up front and ultimately both can succeed in Koeman’s system.
But Koeman prefers to start only one central striker and journalist Valentijn Driessen believes Zirkzee has tied down the starting spot after this week’s international break.
Via his column on De Telegraaf, Driessen wrote: “Brian Brobbey would have liked to be in this list. Koeman offered him the opportunity against Germany. The Ajax player performed adequately with a pre-assist and assist for the Dutch goals, but also shot clumsily over a huge chance in the second half.
“It’s a lot of strength, fight and good will, but the pure quality on the ball that Zirkzee has and that allows Oranje to play more football is missing.
“According to Koeman, Germany was not an exam for Brobbey, but even before the start the national coach announced that he will play the next international period against Hungary and again Germany with the new regular striker of Oranje. That will be Zirkzee.”
It seems Zirkzee is set to be a regular starter up front for the Netherlands, which should provide United’s £36m summer signing with plenty of confidence.
However, having Brobbey as competition for his spot should keep him sharp and on his toes.
Matthijs de Ligt concerns after Netherlands display
While Zirkzee has had a good week away with the Netherlands, the same cannot be said for his now-United teammate Matthijs de Ligt.
The 25-year-old was criticised for mistakes made in the 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was hooked at half-time against Germany after another poor performance.
Rafael Van der Vaart did not hold back with his verdict of De Ligt’s performance after a “fatal” mistake against Germany.
With Erik ten Hag under pressure to turn things around at United, the Dutchman will hope that De Ligt can shake off his poor international performances when club football resumes this weekend.
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