Despite suffering from many injuries at centre-back, Ronald Koeman decided against calling up in-form Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul Van Hecke for the current international break.
The 23-year-old has recently fought his way into Roberto De Zerbi’s starting line-up, playing in both the Everton and Sheffield United games as well as starting all four of their Europa League ties.
He’s impressed in nearly all of them, which is why there is some surprise at Koeman’s decision, with ESPN’s Kenneth Perez voicing his consternation, in quotes relayed by Soccer News.
He said: “I find it quite extraordinary. I must honestly say that he came on my radar because I saw him twice against Ajax.”
Perez then points out how comfortably the Brighton man dealt with Ajax’s Brian Brobbey in the Europa League, adding to the fact he now plays regularly in the Premier League.
Perez added: “Then surely you deserve at least a chance in Orange. He plays in the strongest league there is.”
All these combined should at least warrant him a spot in the Netherlands set up, but not according to Koeman, who decided to give 17-year-old Jorrel Hato a chance instead.
