Ronald Koeman has compliments for Quinten Timber. The Feyenoord midfielder is still waiting for his international debut for ‘the big Dutch team’ and has not yet been included in the pre-selection of the Dutch national team. Yet Koeman keeps the 22-year-old Timber in his sights.
Crucial European Championship qualifying matches with Ireland (November 18) and Gibraltar (November 21) are scheduled for the Dutch team. The Dutch team seems to be starting a new international week with luxury in midfield
The most important man, Frenkie de Jong, is not there, but Teun Koopmeiners is returning to the selection after injuries. In addition, Koeman also has access to Jerdy Schouten and Tijjani Reijnders, who are in excellent form.
With Marten de Roon, Mats Wieffer and Joey Veerman, the Dutch national coach has three alternatives at hand. Despite his good play at Feyenoord, Timber could not yet count on a call-up.
“Fortunately, we have a lot of competition in several positions,” says Koeman at the press conference in the run-up to the match against Ireland, when asked whether Timber is in his picture.
“You compare it to players you have previously selected. It is clear that Timber is doing well, you also saw that against AZ. Then he was the best Feyenoord player. If he continues, you have to make a decision. Everything is open towards a European Championship.”
Koeman then points out that things can sometimes ‘go very quickly’. “Reijnders joined, now everyone is putting him in the first eleven. It also depends on whether you have a permanent group.”