Bayern Munich: Joshua Zirkzee backed to feature for Dutch national team
Former Dutch midfielder Willem Van Hanegem believes that Bayern Munich forward Joshua Zirkzee is ready for the Dutch national team.
Hansi Flick had a selection headache last weekend after Robert Lewandowski suffered an injury against Chelsea. The German manager had many tactical options to compensate for the Polish striker’s absence in Bayern Munich’s clash against Hoffenheim.
Flick went with the bravest option available by giving Joshua Zirkzee his first senior start at Bayern. The Dutch striker repaid the faith shown in him by scoring the third goal of the game. His overall performance deserves praise as he was a constant menace in Hoffenheim’s box.
Zirkzee had the perfect start to his Bayern career in December. He made an instant impact by effectively scoring winners against Wolfsburg and Freiburg in December. Zirkzee scored both goals by coming off the bench in the final quarter of the game.
After making a good start to his professional career at the club level, Zirkzee is now tipped to play an important role for the Dutch National team. Speaking to Algemeen Dagblad (via Voetbul Primeur), Willem Van Hanegem urged Ronald Koeman to call up Zirkzee for upcoming games against the USA and Spain.
"“I hope that Ronald Koeman will really summon that boy for the upcoming international matches against the United States and Spain.”“I saw at Bayern how Thomas Müller gets to work with him. He plays with Zirkzee, makes him really grow. Zirkzee is only 18, but already deserves a chance at the Oranje. I think it will be soon with him.”"
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The absence of Memphis Depay from the Dutch squad may force Koeman to call up Zirkzee during the international break in March. A good showing in these two games may help Zirkzee to book his place in the Netherlands squad for the Euros in summer.
Zirkzee has been gathering praise from all around since making his debut with Die Roten. Youri Moulder heaped praise on him a few weeks ago and backed him to achieve success in Bavaria. The 19-year-old forward is also focussed on achieving his dream to lead the line for Rekordmeister in the future.
The sample size is too small, but it is difficult to not be excited about Zirkzee. His brave approach on the pitch, taking players on and scoring important goals makes him a very valuable part of the squad. Rekordmeister also needs to manage him carefully to make sure that he continues his development.
Next. Five ways Bayern can tackle Lewandowski’s absence. dark
Lewandowski is expected to be out for at least four weeks, so Zirkzee will have a big role to play for Die Roten during this period. He is unlikely to play every game but it will be a great learning process for him. Flick can also use Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry in number nine role when Ivan Perisic and Kingsley Coman return to action.