Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 08:54• Last update: 09:03

Davy Klaassen is expected to start tonight against Montenegro as an attacking midfielder in the Dutch national team. The midfielder of Ajax can call himself a regular base player in the Dutch since the appointment of Louis van Gaal. Former internationals Arnold Mühren and Dick Schoenaker understand why Van Gaal continues to choose Klaassen, despite the fact that he lost his base place at Ajax to Steven Berghuis.

Klaassen was accurate in the Dutch three times in the past six international matches. Against Norway (1-1) and Latvia (0-1) he was decisive with his goals. “Klaassen would always play with me. In my view, he is undervalued. Only connoisseurs really recognize his qualities,” says Mühren in conversation with the NOS. Schoenaker, former football player of Ajax, agrees with Mühren’s words. “I completely understand that Van Gaal is charmed by him. He fits very well with the system under Van Gaal.”

According to Schoenaker, Klaassen has an excellent basic technique. “He can easily play the ball from A to B, has a feeling for space and position, seeks depth at the right time, can head well and is effective. When attacking from the side, he becomes a kind of second striker. is a master of the transition and he never gives up,” said the former international.

Mühren emphasizes that Klaassen has an ‘extremely good’ feeling for where the spaces are located. “He is always looking for free space. Then you don’t have to sprint 100 meters. A few meters can be enough. At the right time. He was born with that feeling. It is a gift. The speed is in his head.” According to Mühren, Van Gaal Klaassen’s playing style is perfect for him. “Depay often collapses and then he can get over it. And playing with wingers is perfect for Klaassen. When balls come from the side, he knows where to run.”

Last season Klaassen regularly played under Erik ten Hag as a controller at Ajax, while players such as Zakaria Labyad and Quincy Promes are preferred in an attacking role. “I also found that startling,” said Mühren. “There is no better ten than Klaassen in my eyes. He has everything.” Tonight against Montenegro, Klaassen is expected to start as an attacking midfielder, with Georginio Wijnaldum and Frenkie de Jong as colleagues in midfield.