The Dutch legend shifts his stance on the former PSV midfielder, praising a standout display against Serbia while sparking a debate over the national team's evolving midfield chemistry.
Wesley Sneijder has offered a more positive assessment of former PSV midfielder Joey Veerman, admitting that his performances for the Netherlands have at times been enjoyable to watch.
Sneijder had previously been critical of Veerman, much like analyst Johan Derksen, but his comments following the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia suggest that his view of the midfielder has softened.
Speaking on Rondo on Ziggo Sport on Monday evening, Sneijder acknowledged Veerman’s contribution while discussing the performance in Serbia.
“I’ve always been quite critical of Veerman. But at times I really enjoyed him. Nearly all of them came off. If he stays in this shape… He needs to grow into it again. I do think it’s nice for him that he’s then also played a good match,” Sneijder said, as quoted by PSV Inside.
Veerman’s ability to progress the ball and operate in possession was also discussed by former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen, who believes the midfielder could have an important role to play under head coach Xavi Hernandez.
Janssen pointed to Veerman’s reliability when receiving the ball close to him, saying: “If the ball is within ten meters, then Veerman will be there.”
Sneijder, however, added a note of caution, highlighting the demands placed on midfielders when opponents apply pressure.
“Under pressure it might be different, so then you may need to do things differently.”
While Sneijder found Veerman’s display encouraging, Ruud Gullit remained critical of the Netherlands’ midfield as a whole.
The former Netherlands captain did not single out Veerman, instead questioning the current relationship between Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders.
“Ryan Gravenberch is not enjoying it, nor is Tijani Reijnders. It just doesn't click. In principle, he [Gravenberch] is the best and he has shown that, but he hasn't got the level. And Reijnders doesn't either. It seems as if they can't play football with each other,” Gullit said.
Despite the 2-1 win in Serbia, Gullit urged caution over the progress of Xavi’s Netherlands side and stressed that the team still requires patience.
“It’s too early for the victory trumpet. Orange also needs patience, but with the intention to do something. Spain does that very well. That drive is missing a bit,” the former world footballer added.
Sneijder nevertheless finished the discussion on an optimistic note, suggesting that the Netherlands have yet to show their full potential under Xavi.
“There is more in Oranje than we have seen over the past period,” the record international concluded.
Veerman’s display has therefore provided another talking point as Xavi continues to shape his midfield, with Sneijder’s latest assessment marking a notably more favourable view of a player he has previously criticised.
