Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee scored the match-winning goal for the Netherlands against Serbia yesterday to continue their unbeaten run under new manager Xavi Hernandez.
The Dutch opened the scoring, but their advantage lasted just four minutes before Serbia quickly found an equaliser.
Zirkzee was introduced at half-time and made his presence felt in the 72nd minute by firing the Netherlands back in front.
Denzel Dumfries delivered a dangerous low cross into the box, picking out Tijani Reijnders at the far post.
The angle was too tight for the former Manchester City midfielder to test the goalkeeper, but he kept the attack alive by sending the ball back across the face of goal.
Zirkzee was left with a simple tap-in, allowing him to register his second international goal in eight appearances for the Netherlands.
However, despite getting his name on the scoresheet, the United striker did little else to convince Xavi that he deserves a regular starting role.
The 25-year-old managed just one shot on target and won only one of his four duels.
Zirkzee is undoubtedly a technically-gifted forward, but his tendency to prioritise clever flicks over decisive finishing continues to raise questions about his suitability as a striker.
His lack of pace has also made it difficult for him to establish himself in the Premier League, with the former Bologna forward managing just five goals in more than two seasons at United.
Zirkzee was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford during the summer, but United never received an offer they deemed suitable.
United head coach Michael Carrick has handed Zirkzee opportunities in each of the last three games, yet the striker has done little to suggest he should be rewarded with a starting berth.
The Red Devils face Tottenham Hotspur on October 10, but despite his international goal, Zirkzee is unlikely to force his way into Carrick’s starting XI.
Stats from Fotmob.com
