Koeman: I miss De Jong’s court intelligence, he can give De Jong more space to participate in offensive organization

Maarten de Jongen has not played for the national team for a year and a half. In an interview, Dutch coach Koeman spoke highly of the Atlanta midfielder and believed that he could play a key role in the Oranje's game.

Koeman praised the 34-year-old De Jongen as a midfielder that every team needs. The current Dutch team still misses this type of player.

"He is an important cog in all creative football and he knows how to get the best out of that position. He is often paired with Frenkie de Jong, which gives the latter more space to participate in the offensive organization. He can always find the right position in the center and create a stable fulcrum. His playing style is very aggressive and he can cause fouls at critical moments. He is a great choice for the entire team. I do miss his court intelligence."

De Jongen himself also responded to Koeman's praise and said that he is still willing to play for the national team. "I have always been available. Koeman gives the players a lot of freedom and he is very strict on the court. Obviously, we can joke around at the appropriate time, but if the 11-on-11 training does not perform well, we will continue to practice until we are satisfied. When he is dissatisfied, everyone can see it, which is actually a good thing."