“He doesn’t deserve that now”: National team boss says United star is “not good enough” to represent the country

Netherlands national team boss Ronald Koeman has insisted that Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is currently not good enough to be selected to represent the country.

Zirkzee and United teammate Matthijs de Ligt were left out of the Netherlands’ provisional squad for the upcoming Nations League quarter-finals.

Oranje host Spain on 20 March in Rotterdam before making their way to Valencia for the second leg which takes place three days later.

After a tough start to life at United following his move from Bologna in the summer, Zirkzee is finally starting to show positive signs of improvement. Over the past few weeks, he has looked much better, especially in the number 10 role – a position Casemiro claimed is his best.

Under Ruben Amorim, Zirkzee has been a key player so far, making 25 appearances and scoring five goals in that period.

He led the line for United during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal and nearly found the back of the net with a backheel finish but David Raya denied him.

Speaking on Studio Voetbal [via Soccer News], Koeman outlined what motivated his decision to overlook Zirkzee for the national team.

“He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment. Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong.”

“Yes, in principle form and fitness are always leading, but that is not always possible. We have a lot of central defenders and midfielders, but we are somewhat limited up front.”

“But even then, I still think that you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn’t deserve that now.”

“But that could be the case again in another period.”

Zirkzee made his senior international debut as a substitute against Turkey at Euro 2024 and has been named in each squad since, picking up six caps.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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