“Close down the entire department” – Brighton man’s international absence questioned, should be back in

The Netherlands entire scouting department should be shut down if they are purposefully ignoring Brighton and Hove Albion defender Joël Veltman.

That’s according to Süleyman Öztürk, via FC Update, who believes it is a travesty that the Brighton defender isn’t being selected by his country.

The Netherlands announced their squad for the next international break last week ahead of clashes against Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Nations League.

Veltman was not a part of the group once again, despite enjoying a superb start to the season with Brighton with new manager Fabian Hürzeler.

The full-back has 28 appearances for his country since making his debut all the way back in November 2013 but hasn’t added to that tally in the last three years.

His last appearance came against Ukraine at Euro 2020 when he managed two minutes in the 3-2 win in the clash in Group C. He last played 90 minutes for his nation in a 1-1 draw with Spain in November 2020.

That’s something Öztürk can’t get his head around, questioning what the Netherlands are doing if the Brighton man can’t get a look in.

“Joël Veltman will not be called up for the Dutch team? And Devyne Rensch will? I think so,” he said.

“There is a category of players who are never called up again, even though they perform consistently every week at the highest level in Europe,” added presenter Matthijs Vegter.

“If Joël Veltman is not discussed, then you have to close down the entire department,” concluded Öztürk.