Johan Derksen highlights two Netherlands players: 'They are doing fantastically'

Johan Derksen has lavished praise on Mexx Meerdink and Ruben van Bommel. The pair made their Netherlands debuts last week and left a huge impression, he said on the podcast Greetings from Grolloo.

Meerdink came on against Germany (1-1) on Thursday in the first half after Brian Brobbey went off injured. He did not score in that match. Against Serbia on Sunday (1-2 win), Meerdink made his first start and was immediately involved in both Dutch goals.

Van Bommel also made his debut on Thursday as a substitute. Shortly before full time, he set up Cody Gakpo's 1-1 with a wonderful cross. Then on Sunday, Gakpo went off in the first half, which gave Van Bommel another chance to come on.

Derksen has been hugely impressed by both talents. “We have two youngsters in the team who are doing fantastically well...”, begins De Snor.

“That Mexx Meerdink is such a cool customer and clinical finisher. He has made sure that no one in this country will ever talk about Memphis again. That is obviously quite nice.”

“Also for the national coach, that you no longer have to negotiate with that overrated star from Brazil to come here. Then he is not fit again, then he is half fit again... The Netherlands national team have really moved forward with these two boys.”

Later this week, Meerdink and Van Bommel could get two more chances to prove it. The Netherlands still have Greece on Thursday and Serbia on Sunday to come.