Justin Kluivert gets NO minutes as disjointed Netherlands draw 2-2 to Japan

Many Bournemouth fans, me included, would have been incredibly disappointed after watching the Netherlands draw to Japan in a game that they would have fancied themselves to take all 3 points.

Let's not fool ourselves, we know that this Dutch team is packed full of quality and star players, but most of them come in the defensive areas of the pitch, with many pundits labelling their attack as one of the poorest in recent generations.

Despite going into the lead twice in the game, Netherlands couldn't find the killer goal to put them 2 clear against a much improved Japanese team, but do you know who can kill a game with their trickery and flair? Justin Kluivert.

In recent times, it seems like international football has stemmed away from picking players based purely off form, with players who are well known household names being selected to represent their countries over players who have had more successful seasons.

Justin Kluivert is a brilliant example of that. Has he had his best season? Of course not, in fact, it was arguably his least successful season on a personal level since he joined the club in 2023, that being courtesy of being injured for a large part of the 25/26 campaign.

It is clear that Kluivert is seen as a player who can change a game based off of his raw ability and talent, as otherwise he wouldn't have been selected to play in this World Cup over players like Kees Smit, who has clearly had a better season than the 27 year old. 

This article may come across as me saying that Justin Kluivert would have won the Netherlands that game against Japan, but that is not what I mean.

As someone who has watched Kluivert play nearly 100 games for AFC Bournemouth, and witnessing his impact off the bench in some games, I think he would have been a better option off the bench than, foe example, bringing on centre midfielder Teun Koopmeiners for goalscorer Crysencio Summerville. 

On a more positive note, mixing together the conditions of this World Cup, the frequency of games and how many games some of the players in the Netherlands squad have played over the course of this season, I am sure Kluivert will get the chance that he does deserve, otherwise it may be a decision that Ronald Koeman will regret if players like Cody Gakpo continue to underwhelm in front of goal!

QUESTION: Should Justin Kluivert start vs Sweden on June 20? Let me know in the comments!