Robin van Persie looks with pleasure at the performance of the Dutch national team at this European Championship. The all-time top scorer of Oranje, 50 goals in 102 international matches, mentions in conversation with Football International two internationals who, according to him, stand out among the semi-finalists of EURO 2024.

“I think Cody Gakpo is making the difference at the moment, but that's not so difficult to see,” the head coach of SC Heerenveen refers to the winger of the Dutch national team, who is co-top scorer at the European Championship with three goals.

Van Persie sees more players emerging in the selection of national coach Ronald Koeman. “I can also enjoy Nathan Aké. He is so smart, there is an idea behind everything,” the trainer in Frisian service is full of praise for the left back of the Netherlands.

“I also think Jerdy Schouten plays very strongly. Also the type that makes me happy. They are just guys who make every choice, with or without the ball, with an idea,” said the hopeful Van Persie.

the Dutch

Van Persie also sheds light on the Dutch team during this European Championship. “It's great that they're in the semi-finals. They really showed resilience against Turkey. They had to come from far away.”

As a reward, a confrontation with England awaits, where Van Persie played for Arsenal and Manchester United for years. “I am very curious. England is not a top team, but it is a team that is very difficult to beat.”

“That's the same for Oranje,” the former top scorer emphasizes. “Even against Austria, when they didn't play well, they were still hard to beat. Austria also had to dig deep to still beat the Netherlands. In that respect, they are two similar teams, in a similar situation.”

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