A sensational debut assist against Germany has icons drawing bold comparisons to Johan Cruijff, signaling the emergence of a clinical new creative force in the Oranje attack.
The international break has brought a landmark moment for PSV winger Ruben van Bommel, who made his Netherlands debut and immediately caught the attention of his grandfather Bert van Marwijk, as well as Willem van Hanegem and Johan Derksen.
Van Bommel came on against Germany in the 83rd minute for Crysencio Summerville and delivered a superb outside-of-the-foot assist for Cody Gakpo, rescuing a 1-1 draw for Xavi Hernández on his first match as Netherlands head coach.
Van Marwijk Impressed By Grandson
Van Marwijk watched from the Johan Cruijff Arena as his grandson became the first Van Bommel to represent Oranje since his father Mark in 2012.
The former Netherlands coach said Ruben showed no sign of nerves.
“There was no tension with Ruben. You could already see that with the first ball touch,” Van Marwijk told Limburg broadcaster L1, as quoted by PSV Inside.
He was particularly impressed by the assist.
“That was so good, at that speed,” he said.
Van Marwijk later spoke to Ruben in the players’ lounge and noticed how much the moment meant to him.
“He is usually very level-headed, but I could tell that he was extra happy,” he added.
Van Hanegem Predicts Important Oranje Role
Van Hanegem also believes the PSV winger can become a decisive player for the Netherlands.
After Van Bommel appeared early against Serbia following Gakpo’s injury, Van Hanegem acknowledged that the youngster could have made better decisions in Belgrade.
“In Belgrade he shot at goal a little too often and the ball that Guus Til laid dramatically wide, he could no longer put in. The ball should have gone to Summerville,” he wrote in Algemeen Dagblad.
But his conclusion was clear: “In the future, Van Bommel will certainly become a decisive player for Oranje.”
Derksen Hails “Perfect” Cross
The assist against Germany also drew strong praise from Johan Derksen on Today Inside.
“I have never seen such a beautiful outside of the foot right-foot cross like that ball from Van Bommel. That was the perfect cross. You can't miss that,” Derksen said.
Martijn Krabbendam subsequently noted the similarity to Johan Cruijff’s use of the outside of his right foot.
Derksen responded: “It’s a fantastic pass. Cruijff was top-class, but this guy at this age, who is already doing it too.”
Van Bommel has now made an immediate impression at international level, with his first two appearances coming against Germany and Serbia.
