Sunderland defender Patrick van Aanholt has told the Dutch media he doesn’t understand why Netherlands manager Danny Blind isn’t selecting him for the national team.
Voetbal Primeur have reported on comments Van Aanholt made when asked about his situation with the Oranje. The Sunderland full back said it’s a pity he’s being overlooked, and he isn’t sure whether Blind wants to give him a chance.
Van Aanholt highlighted Blind’s stance of only wanting to pick players who play regularly for their clubs, so he’s not sure why some of his international teammates are being selected when this policy is in place.
“It seems that the coach does not see me, whether he wants to give me a chance. That’s a pity. Not only because I am fit, but also in form. I’ve heard that you have to play at your club to qualify for Oranje. I will not name names, but some guys with Oranje don’t even play every week,” said Van Aanholt, widely believed to be on the verge of a move to Crystal Palace.
In the past Memphis Depay and Jeremain Lens have been victims of Blind’s policy not to pick players who aren’t playing regularly for their clubs, but it seems Van Aanholt’s comments could be directed at Manchester United’s Daley Blind.
The Manchester United left back continues to be selected in his father’s starting eleven for the Netherlands even though he’s struggled to hold a place down in Jose Mourinho’s team this season. Van Aanholt has been one of Sunderland’s more impressive players during a difficult season, and must feel hard done by when Blind is being selected ahead of him.
Sam Allardyce is looking to bolster his squad and Van Aanholt could be a useful addition. Both Crystal Palace and Sunderland are in a relegation fight and signings made in this window may well be crucial.
The next Netherlands squad should be interesting, given that Daley Blind has only played one league game this year.
