Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee was in the midst of a relaxing holiday at Walt Disney World in Florida when he received the unexpected call up to join the Dutch Euro 2024 squad. This call-up came as the Netherlands are facing a mounting injury crisis, with key players Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners ruled out of the competition just before the tournament.
Ian Maatsen was also on vacation, enjoying some time in Mykonos with his girlfriend, when he too received the call from Ronald Koeman to replace the injured De Jong in the squad. The sudden change of plans meant Maatsen had to hastily pack his bags and head to join the national team.
Zirkzee, who is reportedly on Manchester United’s radar for the upcoming summer transfer window, will now have the opportunity to showcase his skills on the big stage of the Euros. Initially left out of the Dutch squad, Zirkzee showed his surprise and excitement at the call-up on his Instagram profile.
Both Maatsen and Zirkzee had recently faced disappointments in their respective club campaigns. Maatsen, on loan at Borussia Dortmund, experienced a loss in the Champions League final to Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Zirkzee had been dealing with a hamstring injury towards the end of Bologna’s season, causing him to miss crucial matches.
Despite the setbacks, both players are now determined to make the most of their unexpected opportunity in the Dutch national team. Maatsen will be looking to challenge for a starting spot on the left flank, providing Koeman with an additional option in the squad. Zirkzee, on the other hand, will be aiming to prove his worth and potentially catch the eye of suitors like Manchester United.
As the Netherlands gear up to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland, the additions of Maatsen and Zirkzee bring a sense of renewed optimism to the squad. With both players ready to seize the moment and contribute to their national team’s success, their journey from vacation to national duty is a true testament to their resilience and commitment to excel at the highest level.
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