Joey Veerman's return to the Netherlands squad has renewed attention on his qualities, with journalist Süleyman Öztürk drawing a striking comparison between the former PSV midfielder and German great Toni Kroos.

Veerman has joined the Oranje squad for the last international break of the calendar year after establishing himself at Borussia Dortmund. His return marks a change in fortunes for the midfielder, who was overlooked by former Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman following Euro 2024.

Koeman repeatedly questioned Veerman's character when explaining his absence from the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His successor, Xavi Hernandez, has taken a different view and has shown confidence in the midfielder.

Writing for Voetbal International, Öztürk reflected on the contrasting reactions to Veerman's ability over the past two years, recalling comments made by former Netherlands international Arnold Mühren before Euro 2024.

Mühren had suggested that Veerman possessed qualities comparable to Kroos, who had recently ended his playing career at Real Madrid.

“Two and a half years ago, people were rather laughing it off. Arnold Mühren was musing out loud about the qualities and the future of Joey Veerman,” Öztürk wrote.

He recalled the headline of a VI article at the time: ‘What can Kroos do that Veerman can't?’

However, Veerman's difficult afternoon against Austria at Euro 2024 changed the tone of the discussion. The midfielder was substituted after just 35 minutes, prompting further criticism and ridicule of Mühren's comparison.

Öztürk also noted that Veerman's outspoken and headstrong personality made him an easy target for criticism in the Netherlands.

Since moving from PSV to Borussia Dortmund last summer, Veerman has earned considerable recognition in Germany. Öztürk pointed to a recent lengthy endorsement from Dortmund coach Niko Kovac, who praised the midfielder's vision, passing range and ability to find solutions in possession.

The journalist acknowledged that Veerman still has areas to improve, particularly when transitioning from attack to defence. His responsibilities at Dortmund expose him to a different level of scrutiny when possession is lost, making his defensive reactions an important part of his development.

Nevertheless, his influence as a playmaker has exceeded expectations.

“Veerman stands out in the Bundesliga as a playmaker. He was announced as a kind of quarterback and exceeds expectations,” Öztürk wrote, as quoted by PSV Inside.

He even compared the midfielder's passing to the throws of NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, highlighting the range and precision that make Veerman such an unusual talent.

The comparison with Kroos has also gained traction in Germany. Öztürk recalled how the former Real Madrid midfielder was once criticised for a perceived lack of intensity before returning to the national team at Julian Nagelsmann's request and demonstrating the value of his exceptional passing ability.

For Öztürk, the comparison is not about suggesting Veerman can become an identical player. Instead, it concerns the importance of recognising what a specialist playmaker can bring to a team.

“Every player can improve in every way, so too Veerman, but he will never become a Moisés Caicedo who has a sixth sense for intercepting balls. Veerman's sixth sense is that pure pass.”

He concluded with a provocative question: “Toni Kroos is, in other words, a Volendammer. Or will Veerman with the right coach become a Kroos?”

Veerman's return to Oranje and his progress in the Bundesliga have given that comparison fresh relevance. The coming international fixtures offer another opportunity for the midfielder to demonstrate why his passing ability deserves such attention.