Netherlands boss Danny Blind has revealed why Timo Letschert and Vincent Janssen have received call-ups to the national team for the first time.
- By James Rowe
AZ Alkmaar striker Vincent Janssen and Utrecht centre back Timo Letchert were included in the Oranje squad for the first time on Friday as Netherlands prepare to face France and England later this month.
Danny Blind told his press conference, ”I believe that these two debutantes in the squad have been in fantastic form so far this season.
”The Vincent Janssen choice was clear in that his job is to score goals and he also plays an important role in the AZ Alkmaar team and I hope he can do the same when he joins up with us in terms of his drive and enthusiasm.
”In the case of Timo Letschert we have followed him closely in terms of specifics especially since the winter break and he has made a good impression and he is a reasonably complete defender. What I mean by that is he has a good defensive insight and also footballing capability and a physical presence.
”I am also aware that my choices relates to these players playing in the Eredivisie which is a difficult facet when choosing a squad when comparing to players playing in a stronger leagues, but I firmly believe that these two players deserve a chance” .
With the Netherlands not participating in the European Championships in France this summer Danny Blind stated his approach in taking the national team forward. ” We have to think ahead because it is about qualifying for the 2018 world cup in Russia and making sure we qualify. We are looking on a weekly basis at potential international players as well as routine international players.”
Blind went on to say that Galatasaray midfielder Ryan Donk, Atalanta’s Marten de Roon, Lazio centre back Wesley Hoedt and Club Brugge’s Ruud Vormer are all on the national teams radar.
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