Dutch pundit Johan Derksen has admitted that he's been taken by surprise at how seamlessly Joey Veerman has adapted to life at Borussia Dortmund.
Veerman joined the BVB on a €22 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven last month after four-and-a-half years with the Eredivisie side.
Since then, he's racked up six appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga side and made a positive impression as their deep-lying midfielder.
It has garnered a favorable response from one of his fiercest critics Derksen, who's often chided the Dutchman in the past.
Speaking on popular Dutch talk show Vandaag Inside, he admitted to being impressed with Veerman, who he feels has performed better than he expected so far.
"It surprises me that Veerman is doing well in Dortmund."
A fellow commentator on the programme Valentijn Driessen tried to play it down by suggesting it's still too soon to pass any verdict on Veerman.
"Let’s watch a few more matches. Everyone’s everywhere, making a beeline for trouble."
Derksen then interjected saying he was looking for an encouraging response from Driessen.
"I thought: maybe I can tempt you into a positive remark."
Driessen then pointed out how critical Derksen has been about Veerman in the past.
"You’re always negative about that Veerman. I was always positive."
Derksen has been an outspoken critic of Veerman for quite some time. Right after his transfer to Dortmund, he said Eindhoven would be pleased to have let him go.
"We can’t say that Joey Veerman isn’t a footballer, but I think that Peter Bosz and PSV are happy that they’ve managed to raise a lot of money for him and that they’re rid of that moaner."he said on Groeten uit Grolloo podcast
Besides, he's also argued that Veerman only comes up trumps against smaller oppositions while struggling to bring out his best in games carrying much higher stakes.
"He never performs in important matches. It’s always against trivial opponents with little passes or a long-range shot: you can’t win a war with that!"
During another discussion on the Vandaag Inside podcast, Derksen also played down the player's chances of making it big with the Netherlands national team as he said:
"Joey Veerman can play well against Excelsior and Willem II, but in Oranje you don’t have a damn thing to do with him."
Ironically, the 27-year-old is set for an international return with the Netherlands as new head coach Xavi has summoned him for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
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