Everton boss Ronald Koeman expresses concerns to Dutch media over player development

 

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has told the Dutch media he’s worried about the talent being produced in the Netherlands. The Oranje failed to qualify for this summer’s Euros, and have continued to stutter under Danny Blind.

Voetbal Primeur have reported on comments Koeman made when asked about the issues with Dutch football. The Everton boss said when he was coaching in his home country they had quality players, who made things happen. Koeman believes this is no longer the case in the Netherlands, and it’s why other countries are producing better players.

“When I was coach twelve years ago at Ajax, you had Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart. Extreme talents. Van Persie, Robben, same story. These players were able to pass a man and that’s already become a scarcity. Who can nowadays? Why do Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo and Robben so much difference? Because they can,” said the Everton manager.

Koeman spent four years as Ajax coach, which earned him his move to Benfica. After the stints in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands he became Southampton manager before joining Everton in the summer. However, since his arrival at Goodison Park things haven’t gone smoothly for the Dutchman, with the Merseyside club currently struggling for form.