The Dutch public lose themselves a little when tournament football arrives. There’s more orange than usual, and a big chance that someone will become a national hero… or the opposite!
Up for the more positive national hero status is currently Wout Weghorst. In a country where ability on the ball and beautiful football is valued perhaps more than anywhere else, it’s Burnley’s effective bargepole who is making his way into the hearts of the Dutch nation.
Following Weghorst’s winning goal against against Poland on Sunday, newspapers across the Netherlands had the Burnley not only on their front page but on several inside as well.
It helps that the striker is expressive with his emotions and therefore provides endless usable photos.
The coverage has carried on, with Tuesday’s edition of AD praising the Burnley player for his goals, and suggesting everything else about his game should be put to one side.
Pierre van Hooijdonk is quoted as saying: “That is exactly why Wout differs from almost all the strikers we have. Depay, Zirkzee, Brobbey; just like any striker, they want to score, but they also want to participate in the game. Or they have to.
“I often have discussions about it with Rafael van der Vaart. He and other Ajax players have created such high expectations for a number 9 that almost no one can meet them.
“Wout makes something happen when he comes on, just like I did. Enthusiasm is one of his qualities. If you don’t bring that, you’re a dime a dozen.
“Memphis was away (from the box) a lot against Poland. While with Weghorst you know one thing for sure: he is in the box and lurks there for every little opportunity.”
Wout Weghorst is expected to leave Burnley this summer and move to the Eredivisie, perhaps the Championship club can expect a little more money if he continues to be the Dutch Darling.
