After weathering harsh social media criticism and international exile, the Dortmund midfielder returns to the Oranje squad with a revamped defensive game and eyes on a starting role.
Joey Veerman is back with the Netherlands after two years away, and Hans Kraay Jr. believes the midfielder has worked hard to address the weaknesses that previously counted against him.
Veerman last represented Oranje at Euro 2024, where the Netherlands reached the semi-finals before losing 2-1 to England. He was subsequently left out of Ronald Koeman’s squads and was not selected for last summer’s World Cup.
The midfielder’s return has now come under new head coach Xavi Hernández, with Kraay suggesting the difficult period after Euro 2024 had a significant impact on the former PSV player.
“That is very emotional for him, I think,” Kraay told Voetbal International. “Because after his dramatic match against Austria at the 2024 European Championship, he was no longer called up and he was tackled hard.”
Kraay also referred to the criticism Veerman received on social media following that performance.
“On social media I even read that it would be a disgrace if he were ever called up again, that kind of laughable text,” he said. “It has affected him, but he has been incredibly hard at work on the things he didn’t manage as well, and that was winning the ball.”
Veerman’s Defensive Work Noticed
According to Kraay, Veerman’s numbers at PSV last season showed the midfielder had made significant progress in that area.
“In the past season, that data showed that Joey Veerman has won an incredible amount of balls,” Kraay said. “He has been working on that day and night; Borussia Dortmund has noticed it too.”
Veerman completed his move from PSV to Dortmund last month and has continued to display the passing qualities that made him one of the Eredivisie’s leading midfielders.
Kraay believes those qualities could also make him an option for Xavi in the Netherlands midfield, particularly with Frenkie de Jong unavailable during the current international cycle.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Xavi lets him start as the first passing option in midfield in Frenkie’s spot,” Kraay added.
Mulder Wants Veerman to Start
Youri Mulder has also backed Veerman to return directly to the starting XI when the Netherlands face Germany on Thursday.
“I would like to see Veerman straight in the starting lineup,” Mulder said on Rondo, as relayed by PSV Inside. “You have four matches and 26 players. I think everyone will get some minutes.”
Mulder also indicated that he would make changes rather than simply continue with Koeman’s previous approach.
After two years away, Veerman now has an opportunity to establish himself under Xavi, with his return to Oranje coming after a strong period at club level and a renewed focus on the defensive side of his game.
