Erwin van de Looi supports his decision not to include Myron Boadu in the selection of the Dutch Juniors. The national coach is not satisfied with the attitude of the striker, who would not seem sufficiently motivated. Boadu is therefore missing in the European Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria (Friday evening) and Gibraltar (Monday evening). In the Yanmar Stadium, the Dutch Juniors will play on Friday evening with a three-man vanguard, consisting of Dashawn Redan, Joshua Zirkzee and Daniël van Kaam.
In ‘s studio ESPN from Hans Kraay junior Friday evening, shortly before kick-off, criticized the way Van de Looi dealt with Boadu. “People sometimes say: he has a big car, makes a big transfer, earns a lot of money and shouldn’t whine. But young boys can get confused by everything that happens to them,” says the analyst. “Erwin van de Looi could have selected him and called him up with the message: I was dissatisfied with you last time, so let’s have a cup of coffee before we continue together.”
“He could have put an arm around his shoulder, say that he understands his frustration and ask if he wants to go all the way again. Then the boy says: yes trainer, nice that you took the time for me. This is so “A missed opportunity by Erwin van de Looi. We now play with players who have all not scored any goals, except Zirkzee,” says Kraay junior. Van de Looi does not agree with the analyst’s words. “Who says we have not done that? It is very short sighted of Hans to say that,” said the national coach.
“That has all happened a long time ago. It is nothing like yesterday or today. What Hans says is a bit too simple. Myron is a very good player for us. He has already proven that. Not at the moment, but it has nothing to do with an arm around the shoulder”, Van de Looi makes clear. “We’d love to take him in. But when you call someone up, you can expect him to have the attitude: ‘We’re going for it and we’ll make something beautiful out of it.’ If that remains behind, you can also make other choices. It is not a matter of one time. That is a bit too short-sighted.”
Boadu had to settle for a substitute against Switzerland (2-2) in September, after which he remained on the bench for ninety minutes against Wales (5-0 win). “Van de Looi did not let him come in then. His attitude was just not right,” says Arnold Bruggink, who was present at the match. “Young the Dutch has changed in that regard: Van de Looi wants players to be happy to report to Jong Oranje, to participate and to be enthusiastic. He wants a team that radiates energy. It is ultimately up to players to pick up the gauntlet. In your life you will encounter a lot of trainers with whom you do not click, so Boadu has to do it yourself.” Kraay junior, however, remains convinced of his approach. “The KNVB should have hired me for free and for nothing. Then he would have played tonight and made two.”