Middlesbrough star Marten de Roon has defended himself following comments made by his international manager Danny Blind. Last week the Netherlands boss told the Dutch media De Roon needs to be more dominant, and consequently he didn’t select him for his original squad for this international break.
Voetbal Primeur have reported on comments De Roon made to Dutch TV when asked about the comments Blind made. De Roon said he can see Blind’s point with regards to being more dominant, but he believes his role is as a defensive midfielder. The Dutchman believes his role for Middlesbrough and the Netherlands is to win the ball back, and then give it to the playmakers in the team
“I understand his point that I need to be more dominant with the ball. But it is also my duty as a defensive midfielder. I have to steal balls and hand them over to the likes of Gaston Ramirez or Wesley Sneijder. It’s a bit how you interpret it,” said the Middlesbrough midfielder.
The Dutchman has been impressive for his club this season, and was on hand to score against Manchester City last weekend in his side’s 1-1 draw. Hs performances earned him a call up to the pre-selection squad for the Netherlands, and although he was released by Blind he returned to the training camp due to injuries picked up during the game with Belgium last week.
