Pascal Struijk has temporarily thanked the Dutch Junior Team. The 21-year-old defender of Leeds United is missing from the pre-selection of both the Dutch national team and the Juniors this month. Struijk can go to the European Championship in Hungary with the team of national coach Erwin van de Looi, but has asked for time to think. Struijk was previously in the news because he was also in the picture with the national team of Belgium, where it is believed that Struijk leans towards the Netherlands.
“Pascal needs more time to make a good choice,” says his agent Tim Vrouwe of Forza Sports Group in conversation with The Telegraph. “This is not easy for various reasons. He is absolutely flattered by the invitation of the Jong Oranje. But if he takes action for this, he can no longer come out for Belgium. The top team of one of these superpowers is the main goal for Pascal. ”
FIFA has recently relaxed the regulations for switching between national teams. Footballers up to 21 years old, and Struijk is just 21 years old, are allowed to play three official matches, including qualifying matches for final tournaments, and then make another choice. However, every minute played during a final tournament is final. There must also be at least three years between the international match for one country and the debut for the new country.
Struijk was born in Deurne, Belgium and has dual nationality. Struijk itself will provide clarity in the coming weeks. “Once we have completed the Belgian passport procedure, he can assess the sporting plan of both unions. And only then can he really make a final choice ”, says Lady.
National coach Roberto Martínez of Belgium recently announced that Struijk would not be called up for the Red Devils because he would lean towards the Dutch. “It now seems that his heart is with the Netherlands. We have to respect that, no matter how interesting his profile is. ” Despite this, the Spanish trainer still kept the door ajar for the former Ajax youth player. “I don’t want to start a war between two football associations. He will therefore not be in my selection. But that does not mean that the file is closed. ”
Martínez had previously contacted Struijk by telephone about his choice between the Netherlands and Belgium. The Belgian Football Association confirmed in the media that the defender had started the procedure to apply for a Belgian passport. As a result, it seemed that Struijk would choose Belgium, but judging by the statements of Vrouwe, the choice has not yet been made.