Johan Derksen praises Netherlands international: 'He is proving Ronald Koeman wrong'

Johan Derksen believes Joey Veerman is thriving again under national coach Xavi. The 27-year-old midfielder had fallen out of Ronald Koeman's plans for the Netherlands, but on Sunday he finally started for the Dutch national team again.

After the 2024 European Championship, Koeman decided he no longer needed Veerman. The midfielder had not played since then, until this international break.

Xavi brought him back into the squad. Veerman came off the bench against Germany (1-1) on Thursday, then started on Sunday against Serbia in a 1-2 win.

Speaking on his podcast Groeten uit Grolloo, Derksen praised Veerman. "Our man from Volendam, who was really at odds with Koeman, has now played twice under Xavi and is also doing surprisingly well at Dortmund," he said.

Derksen also reflected on Koeman's criticism of the midfielder. "Koeman criticised Veerman. He felt he did not fit in, and I did agree with that. Because Veerman is an incredible footballer, but when possession is lost he does not join in. So then you are playing with ten men against eleven. Koeman was irritated by that. But he is now proving Koeman a little bit wrong."

As for the current national coach, Derksen was just as complimentary. "I’m pleased for Xavi, whom I consider a serious football man with a great past, and not an irritating man in the way he presents himself. He is a very modest gentleman."

Looking at the results, Derksen feels Xavi has come through his opening weekend well. "I’m glad he has come through this first weekend well. Against Germany, 1-1 was an excellent result. To win 1-2 against Serbia, that really should have been 1-5. But let’s not complain about that. The Netherlands are showing something again. Things are getting better again."