Netherlands U21’s will be participating in the Toulon Tournament which begins this week, and below are the five young Dutchmen you should keep an eye on.
- By Michael Bell
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Anwar El Ghazi
El Ghazi has been excellent in his debut season for the Ajax first team, scoring nine goals and adding eight assists in 31 Eredivisie appearances, form which saw the winger named as the club’s young player of the year. The 20-year-old is pacey, skillful, and extremely dangerous around the box, attributes which have seen El Ghazi described as a young Cristiano Ronaldo.
Capable of switching his allegiances to Morocco, El Ghazi has four caps so far for the Netherlands U21’s, but has yet to be on the winning side. The youngster will reportedly come under the watchful eye of Chelsea and Atletico Madrid during the tournament.
Mohamed Rayhi
Another very talented winger, Rayhi has been a star for PSV’s youth teams for the past few years, and scored several goals for the first team in pre-season. Injuries have limited Rayhi to 12 appearances for Jong PSV in the Eerste Divisie, but he has always caught the eye when able to step on the pitch.
Rayhi netted two goals in the final game of the season, and will be heading to the Toulon Tournament bang in form. Quick and very skillful, Rayhi will be one of Netherlands biggest threats in France.
Vincent Janssen
The only recognisable centre forward in the Netherlands squad, Janssen’s 19 goals helped Almere City reach the play-offs for promotion in the Eerste Divisie, and now he will be hoping to fire Netherlands to success in France.
The 20-year-old is a typical number nine, deadly in the box and good in the air, but also possesses decent pace and will be hoping that an impressive tournament will lead to a move to the Eredivisie this summer. Janssen has two caps already for the U21’s but has yet to score.
Hans Hateboer
One of Netherlands finest defensive prospects, Hateboer has been very impressive for Groningen in 30 appearances this season. Strong in the tackle, tall, and quick the 21-year-old has all the attributes of a quality right back, whilst also possessing positive attributes going forward.
Hateboer has given the Eredivisie’s finest wingers a tough time this season, and he will be hoping to do the same when he gets the chance to add to his single cap for the U21’s in France.
Thom Haye
The versatile 20-year-old midfielder has been a regular for AZ Alkmaar this season, making 32 appearances, usually as a central midfielder, but Haye is also capable of playing on the wings or in front of the defence. Haye possesses a great eye for a pass, and uses his exceptional dribbling technique to hold onto the ball well.
Haye is yet to make his debut for the U21’s despite being a regular for the U17’s and U19’s, but after a great season in the Eredivisie, the midfielder could be one of the stars of the tournament.
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