Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has admitted it remains a dream to get back into the Dutch national team.
ESPN Netherlands have an interview with the defender today. He discusses various topics, including his belief he deserves a chance for the Netherlands, and transfer temptation.
The centre-back has been a regular for Leeds United again this season in their return to the Premier League. He’s so far played 19 games, featuring in 86% of the available minutes. That’s seen him start but all three games, against West Ham, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
He’s earned that place too, playing a key role in Leeds’ defence as they’ve impressed since the beginning of December in particular. His new role could have put him back in the spotlight for the Netherlands.
The Leeds United defender has never played for his country, despite three appearances for their U17s earlier in his career.
The closest he’s come is all he way back in 2022. Louis van Gaal was Netherlands boss at the time and called Struijk up for his preliminary squad for the World Cup that year. He was ultimately not included in the final group, though.
Dream is still there for defender
Four years later he’s yet to earn his call-up, with Ronald Koeman well covered in that area of his team as it is. Struijk, though, believes that he deserves his chance as he continues to perform in the Premier League.
“Playing for the Dutch national team is still a dream of mine,” the Leeds United player said.
“It depends on how I perform on the pitch. You have to make sure the national coach can’t ignore you. I’ve been doing well so far, so I hope I can keep this up.
“If you’re performing at the top level, I think you deserve a chance. But I’m not the national coach.”
Leeds United player considered Belgium
Struijk may be regretting his previous decisions, as he once chose the Netherlands over Belgium. He was born in Flanders but moved to the Netherlands when he was three years old. That makes him eligible for both.
The Red Devils came calling a few years ago, and the Leeds defender admits it’s something he still thinks of.
“I did have doubts about that, but that was a while ago,” he added.
“Back then, Roberto Martinez was still the coach; he was the one who first contacted me. He let me know it was a possibility. That’s still something that lingers in your mind, but for me, it’s a dream to play for the Dutch national team.”
