Valentijn Driessen has high expectations of Xavi Simons, as he made clear in the podcast on Monday Kickoff by The Telegraph. The journalist acknowledges that the RB Leipzig creative has not yet shown everything in the Dutch team, but Driessen also notes that he has confidence in the individual qualities.

“You can really handle an attack that consists of Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons,” Driessen begins. “Simons has not yet left an indelible impression. But if he shows it against Iceland, everyone will shout that he should go to the Dutch.”

“He obviously has many qualities. What he has above all else is simply an individual action. He can also work well in small spaces.”

“Unfortunately, we don't see it enough with the Dutch national team, but if he can play like he plays at Leipzig, then he is a player with added value. Frimpong can also play for the Dutch team, such as for Leverkusen,” said Driessen.

Mike Verweij agrees with his colleague. “Ronald Koeman also indicated that he would be patient with him. He also sees during the training that Simons has it. He just has to make the right choices at the right times. He seems overambitious and overzealous. He needs to find more peace.”

On Monday evening, the Dutch team will take on Iceland in the farewell match prior to the start of the 2024 European Championship. Unlike the match against Canada, Simons will most likely get a starting spot in the last practice match.

Simons made his debut in the Dutch national team on December 3, 2022 and has since made a total of thirteen appearances. The attacker has not yet managed to score in those matches.

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