Reinvigorated under Xavi’s leadership, the PSV midfielder’s tactical evolution sets the stage for a high-stakes positional clash with Frenkie de Jong for control of the Oranje midfield.
Joey Veerman’s return to the Netherlands squad has already sparked discussion about his potential battle with Frenkie de Jong for a place in Xavi Hernandez’s midfield.
After two years away from Oranje, the former PSV midfielder started Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Serbia. His return comes after Ronald Koeman stopped selecting him following Euro 2024.
Veerman was also involved in a public disagreement with Koeman ahead of the World Cup in North America, with the former national coach previously citing the midfielder’s character among his reasons for leaving him out.
Under Xavi, Veerman has been given a fresh opportunity. His return has now been discussed by the hosts of the KieftJansenEgmondGijp podcast.
“And Joey Veerman back, that is also pretty nice, right?” presenter Michel van Egmond said.
Agent Rob Jansen responded by highlighting the potential competition ahead.
“That’s also fine. And right away he can really take on Frenkie de Jong, who is still going to be there for a while for him,” Jansen said, as relayed by PSV Inside.
Veerman has also received praise for how he handled questions about his difficult period under Koeman.
“He did that well, with all those questions. The journalists want to get somewhere and hear something about Ronald Koeman, but he stayed away from that. He did that well,” former PSV striker Wim Kieft said.
Jansen agreed with Kieft’s assessment and praised Veerman’s approach.
“As a player, you can still just remain civil, after all. He did that properly. You can also simply say: ‘Hey, I’m here now and we’re going to start again.’”
Jansen also added perspective to the debate surrounding Veerman’s absence.
“And besides, it’s not as if we would have won the World Cup if Veerman had been there. Right?”
With Xavi now in charge, Veerman has the opportunity to establish himself in the Netherlands midfield again, with competition for places likely to increase when De Jong returns.
