Borussia Dortmund's Joey Veerman is all the rage right now. His performances with the Netherlands have been garnering praise from all quarters, even from some of his past critics.
On Thursday, the 27-year-old assisted their first goal of the evening which sparked an incredible comeback as Oranje drew 2-2 with Greece in the Nations League.
After over two years out of the national team, Veerman was recalled by new manager Xavi and he's duly repaid his faith with eye-catching displays.
Dutch commentator Gertjan Verbeek felt that he's benefitting from having the former Barcelona ace as his manager on the international stage, while also noticing similarities between them.
"I think Joey Veerman can be very happy that Xavi has become head coach. He does see a certain similarity in him and Joey."Verbeek said of Veerman.
He further talked of the former PSV Eindhoven star's ability to pick out teammates unlike anyone else.
"He is the man for the through ball and surprising turns in the game. He sees things that many people don't see."
Veerman has stood out for his exemplary vision and passing range, whilst also creating chances from set-pieces. He's now their chief delivery man from corners, one of which found Van Dijk last night and it totally turned the momentum of the match.
Verbeek feels he takes them with purpose.
"The person who takes them is 70, 80 percent responsible for success. If the balls aren’t well played into position, it becomes difficult for the players in front of goal. Every set piece Joey takes has a thought behind it. He can place them wherever he wants."
Netherlands legend Sneijder also impressed
Verbeek isn't the only one who is currently impressed with Joey Veerman's performances for the Netherlands. Their former attacker Wesley Sneijder also lauded the BVB player, admitting that he was critical of him earlier.
"I’ve always been quite critical of Veerman. But at times I really enjoyed him. Almost all of them seemed to land. If he stays in this form… He has to grow into it again."
Indeed, Veerman has created the most chances of any Dutch player in the Xavi-era so far with 13 in three matches while also completing the most number of passes as he's made his critics eat their words with his consistently top-notch performances in this international window. It won't be an exaggeration to suggest that Veerman is almost undroppable for Netherlands already.
Frenkie de Jong has a serious competition for starting berth once he returns from injury.
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