In a recent interview with Football-Oranje, Stoke left-back Erik Pieters expressed his feelings at a lack of call ups to the Dutch national squad.
- By Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
Pieters is finishing his fourth season now in the English Premier League and has consistently featured in a Stoke defence known for its strength and organisation. However, the 28-year-old hasn’t won a cap for the Netherlands since 2014.
“The reason why I don’t have a call-up? I don’t have an explanation.” Said Pieters.
“I have no idea. I think I’m still a stand-out player. I’m playing my fourth season in the Premier League and I play at least 30 games a season. I think I’ve shown that I can do the Premier League.”
When asked about whether or not this frustrates him, Pieters replied, “Yes and no. At one point, you’re hoping. You’re playing good and you’re hoping for a selection. In the beginning it’s frustrating because you want to be the best at your position and the Premier League is a good level to show what you can do.”
The former PSV and Utrecht player continued, “In the end, I think why should I bother? If I scored ten goals and gave twenty assists a season, I probably won’t have a call up. So you leave that behind you and focus on your own game, that’s the most important thing. When it comes, it comes.”
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
