Dutch icons praise Veerman leaving BVB's Kovač with tricky midfield call
| Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images. |
Dutch pundits' recent raving about Joey Veerman has left Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač with a positive dillemia in midfield.
The 27-year-old – back in the Dutch squad for the first time since EURO 2024 – has even earned the praises of Rafael van der Vaart.
"When it comes to passing, Veerman is by far the best. Now he's proving in Dortmund that he only had to take a small step to reach the next level," he said.
Legendary Netherlands coach Guus Hiddink, speaking on ‘De Oranjezondag’, believes he should be the first name on the team sheet.
“In principle, he should always be in the starting eleven. He's the man with the necessary mental strength. He simply pays attention.
“He spots when the players are moving well. If they move at the right moment, he has the ability to put them in good positions,” he added.
This followed two strong performances in their 1-1 draw against Germany and 2-1 triumph over Serbia, with Veerman impressing in both.
Interestingly, it's a noticable change in tone given Xavi initially received criticism for calling the BVB star up to the Netherlands squad.
However, this burdens Kovač with the difficult choice between Veerman, Felix Nmecha or Jobe Bellingham who are also in good form.
It's effectively imposible to fit all three midfielders into Kovač's 3-4-2-1 system at the same time, unless one plays further forward.
Kovač, too, is also well aware of Veerman's exceptional qualities and what he can bring to last season's Bundesliga runners-up.
"He's technically very strong. That's why we signed him, so we can find solutions in tight spaces," he said after their 3-2 win against TSG Hoffenheim.
