Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 07:14• Last update: 07:37

Owen Wijndal believes he is the best left back in the Netherlands. In an interview with Football International AZ’s reserve captain does not hide that opinion. The the Dutch-international thinks he has more quality than Ajax left back Nicolás Tagliafico and Philipp Max of PSV.

In conversation with the weekly, Wijndal is asked how he scales himself compared to other left backs in the Eredivisie. “I am the best left back in the Netherlands. That is my opinion and I think I should be able to say that ”, he responds firmly. “Then I don’t include Daley Blind, because he normally plays centrally at Ajax. Nicolás Tagliafico and Philipp Max are of course also great backs, but I think I’m just a little better. ”

Wijndal did not miss a minute in the league this Eredivisie season. He also played all six group matches in the Europa League. Because of his development, he also came into the picture in the national team. “Halfway through last season I reached a level that brought me into the picture with the Dutch national team. And I think my level has been fairly constant since then and I have developed further. ”

Wijndal is still attached to AZ until the summer of 2023, but seems ready for a step higher. He does not see himself making a step as trainer Arne Slot to Feyenoord. “Impossible. I say that honestly. For me personally, the step to Feyenoord would not be progress ”, says Wijndal, who is on the Ajax list. Football affairs director Marc Overmars confirmed last week that he would find Wijndal a good player for Ajax.

Whether Wijndal still sees a step in the Netherlands or wants to go abroad? “Pffff, nice question this. When someone like Marc Overmars says that you are a good player, that is special. But I have not given it any further thought ”, says Wijndal, who indicates that he is focusing on the highest achievable with AZ and hopes to participate in the European Championship. “I can’t say much more about it. I do not have it all in my own hands and I am at my place at AZ. In any case, I am happy that people see how I am developing. ”