In an interview with FIFA, Luuk De Jong said now is the time for the next generation of Dutch players to take the reins.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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The PSV Eindhoven striker, who has nine caps and one goal for his country, said now is the time for some youth and unity in the Dutch national camp. In reference to the national team, De Jong said, “The team that reached the World Cup final in 2010 is obviously getting older and it’s down to us, the younger guys, to step forward and show we deserve to take their positions.”
He also stressed that this team must be unified in order to return the team to the form that Netherlands fans, and the world, expect from them. “Above all, we need to be a team again, and that’s so important because Holland isn’t such a big country, so we need to be united.”
De Jong, who has spent time in Germany and England, said he returned to the Eredivisie in order to get more playing time, and on the radar of the national team. Currently, he is the Eredivisie’s leading scorer with 14 goals so far this campaign, however he feels he needs to prove himself on that national stage – and plans to do just that when 2018 World Cup Qualifiers start this fall.
De Jong started becoming a more regular presence with the Dutch national team during the failed Euro campaign, and is looking forward to moving forward from it, “it still hurts that we won’t be at the Euro’s. I think that will keep hurting all of us until the Euro’s is over and we can start focusing on the World Cup in Russia.”
For the full interview, click here
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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!
