Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman believes Ajax midfielder Frenkie de Jong is fit enough to feature for Oranje in the games against Belarus and Germany.

De Jong missed Ajax’s win over PEC Zwolle last Wednesday but returned for the defeat at AZ Alkmaar at the weekend. He is set to feature for Netherlands against Belarus on Thursday and Germany on Sunday.

Koeman told his press conference on Monday, “I understand from Frenkie that he played without complaints.”

Koeman understands that Ajax boss Erik ten Hag may be worried about De Jong’s fitness, “I told all trainers that it’s about qualification. We are not going to take the risk of players returning to their clubs with injuries, but pains are part of football. Trainers know that we will not burden anyone in such a way that it is harmful. If the players prove that they can play at the training, we will set them up.”

The Oranje boss believes De Jong is crucial to the way Netherland plays, “He has a lot of influence on the way he plays, but there are also other young boys who have shown that they have added value in a short time.

“Think of Steven Bergwijn and Matthijs de Ligt. And don’t forget the development of Virgil van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay. But Frenkie is someone who creates openings. It is often said that he runs the ball too often, but that does create openings. He is simply an important player for this Oranje. ”




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