Justin Kluivert is both proud and happy to be back in the Netherlands squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Germany and Estonia.

PSV Eindhoven winger Steven Bergwijn was forced to pull out of the squad after suffering an injury at the weekend, with Ronald Koeman deciding to call-up Roma’s Justin Kluivert.

Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad, Kluivert said on his call-up, “It was a surprise for me on Sunday that I was still invited but it is my intention that I am immediately on the list next time. “

The 20-year-old believes he has made progress since moving to Italy from Ajax last summer, “I have become stronger and fitter in the past year. I also feel more mature. It is now up to me to achieve a higher return. More assists, more goals and of course more minutes. “

Kluivert made his Netherlands debut under Ronald Koeman last March in a friendly against Portugal. However, he has been missing from the squads since after struggling for regular game time at Roma last season, “It is logical that he did not call me up afterwards. I didn’t play enough for that.”

However, Kluivert has started both league games for Roma this season and completed the full ninety minutes of the 1-1 draw at rivals Lazio at the weekend, “This season I started both league duels in the starting line-up. On Sunday I was even allowed to start against Lazio. Last season I never played such big duels. So it’s going in the right direction. ”

Kluivert is now aiming to impress Koeman in training, “I’m going to show myself at the training and then I will know the role he (Koeman) has for me in the upcoming duels with Germany and Estonia. In any case, I am very happy and proud to be back. “




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