The midfielder’s aggressive forward passing and verticality against Germany sparked immediate debate, fueling claims that his direct style offers a sharper attacking edge than Frenkie de Jong.
Joey Veerman made his return to the Netherlands squad after two years away and quickly reminded observers of the qualities that have made him such an influential midfielder.
The former PSV player came on at half-time for Quinten Timber as the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Germany. Cody Gakpo eventually equalised in stoppage time, with PSV winger Ruben van Bommel providing an outstanding assist on his Oranje debut.
After the final whistle, NOS analysts Rafael van der Vaart and Ronald de Boer were particularly impressed by Veerman’s approach whenever he received possession.
“I love this. The first thing you do is look ahead. Can I just put someone up against the goalkeeper?” De Boer said on NOS, as quoted by PSV Inside.
Van der Vaart highlighted the responsibility Veerman places on his teammates with his forward passing.
“You just know when he gets the ball that you have to start running. He gives you no choice, because he’s just going to pass it to you,” he said.
“If you don’t run, then you’re kind of making a fool of yourself. He is very commanding when he plays forward; then you have to start running.”
Van der Vaart also drew a comparison with head coach Xavi, pointing to the midfielder’s first touch and his ability to play forward quickly.
“He fit in extremely well. It’s a bit like Xavi, you know. That little touch, that’s what Xavi always did. That’s why they brought him in too, I think.”
Xavi was also satisfied with Veerman’s contribution against Germany.
“He understood perfectly what the team needed. He brought superiority and dominated the game. I’m very happy with him,” the Netherlands coach said, according to Voetbal International.
De Telegraaf analyst Valentijn Driessen was similarly impressed, arguing that Veerman’s introduction gave the Netherlands more attacking intent.
“I was very happy that Joey Veerman came in,” Driessen said on the Kick-Off podcast.
“When Joey Veerman came on, then I at least saw a bit of the Netherlands national team, which is what you would like to see.”
Driessen also contrasted Veerman’s direct approach with that of Frenkie de Jong, saying the former PSV midfielder played “much more directly, much more attacking.”
After two years away from international football, Veerman’s return has therefore already generated significant discussion around his role in Xavi’s Netherlands side.
