Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman says Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee isn’t good enough to represent the Netherlands.
The former Everton boss was on Studio Voetbal where he talked about the 23-year-old and Soccer News have relayed his comments.
Oranje face Spain in the UEFA Nations League later this month and Koeman left out the Manchester United player from the pre-selection list.
The Netherlands international has been a regular for the Red Devils since Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford last November. To put it in context, he featured in every fixture for Manchester United except the Europa League group stage tie against Bodø/Glimt.
Under Amorim, Zirkzee played 25 games, scoring five goals in the process. On Sunday, he made his sixth consecutive start for Manchester United in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
Despite this, the national team coach isn’t convinced of the Manchester United player. He explained reason for dropping Zirkzee from the pre-selection list and didn’t hold back when being critical of the former Bologna man.
“He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment. Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong,” he said.
“Yes, in principle form and fitness are always leading, but that is not always possible. We have a lot of central defenders and midfielders, but we are somewhat limited up front.
“But even then, I still think that you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn’t deserve that now, but that could be the case again in another period.”
Zirkzee represented his country in the last three international breaks. He can change Koeman’s perception by impressing on the pitch with Manchester United.