Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt has been called up by Curacao for their upcoming friendly against Qatar.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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The North American nation has previously spoken about their desire to get Patrick van Aanholt to switch his allegiance, and have called him up for their squad to face Qatar in October.
The flying wingback has made six appearances for the Netherlands, featuring as recently as 2016. However, they have all been friendlies, which does not officially tie van Aanholt to Oranje.
Since appointing Patrick Kluivert as head coach in 2014, Curacao have been looking to Dutch born players with Antillean heritage to bolster their squad. So far, the likes of PSV shot stopper Eloy Room, Reading FC midfielder Leandro Bacuna, and Everton defender Cuco Martina have all chosen Curacao as their international team, and their inaugural appearance at a major tournament, this summer’s Gold Cup, show the progress being made. Van Aanholt will certainly be a great addition, bringing years of premier league experience with him.
Curacao has also been vying for PSV striker/winger Jurgen Locadia, however, at only 23, and having scored 4 goals last weekend, he looks likely to continue holding out for a callup from the Netherlands.
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I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!
he deserves to be in the dutch team at least a back-up for blind but all coaches that came dont love him i dont know why
He will be great for the dutch and will be a major competitor for left back position. Holland will lose out big if he switch to Curacao