Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 2:34 PM• Mart Oude Nijeweeme • Last update: 14:37

As a youth international, Kik Pierie faced various world players in the past. For example, the FC Twente defender played against Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho and fought duels with Erling Braut Haaland. Pierie was not particularly impressed by the latter, he says in conversation with FC Twente TV. The Borussia Dortmund striker, who once again impressed in the Champions League on Tuesday evening with two hits against Sevilla (2-2), used to be part of youth teams of the Norwegian national team.

Pierie has been through various youth teams of the Dutch since 2015 and was selected by national coach Erwin van de Looi in the pre-selection of the Dutch Juniors last week. “I once played against England with the Netherlands at the European Under-17 Championship”, the center-back hired from Ajax looks back. Jadon Sancho then played as a left winger and Phil Foden as a right winger for England. I was left back then. That was a tough match. We lost that match 3-0. I’ve never seen footwork faster than what those guys put on the mat. That was a huge difference in level. ”

In that same pool, Pierie also took on Norway with the Dutch Under-17, where Haaland was the offensive leader at the time. “They played 4-4-2 and he didn’t bake a gingerbread. When you see what he is doing now, that is unprecedented. I never expected that boy would become this good. It was a great striker, but not a world striker. He has proven otherwise. ” Haaland went through all the youth teams of the Norwegian national team since 2015 and made his debut with the national team in September 2019. Exactly a year later he scored his first international goal on behalf of Norway.

Pierie was told last week that Van de Looi has included him in the pre-selection of the Dutch Juniors. “That is special to hear”, Pierie continues. “It is an honor to be asked for your country. It is the pre-selection, the real selection has yet to follow. I am very proud of that. I was informed by email. You will receive a message that you are in the preliminary selection, including schedules that you need to know. ” The preliminary European Championship selection has 36 players and has two debutants with Brian Brobbey and Devyne Rensch. The final selection will be announced on March 15 by Van de Looi.