Crysencio Summerville has confirmed that he is being courted by both the Netherlands and Suriname as his international future comes into focus. The West Ham winger says he is fully aware that Dutch national team staff have been closely monitoring his performances.
In February, reports revealed that Netherlands assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy was in the stands to watch Summerville during West Ham’s clash with Bournemouth. And Summerville confirms the visit was no coincidence.
“He was in the stands during our match against Bournemouth and we spoke briefly afterwards,” he told Algemeen Dagblad, via Voetbal Nieuws.
Van Nistelrooy scouting visit underlines Dutch interest
According to Summerville, Van Nistelrooy made it clear that the Dutch FA is closely tracking his progress at West Ham.
“Ruud van Nistelrooij told me that the Netherlands is following me closely,” he said. “Of course, that was great news.”
But the Dutch aren’t the only national side interest. Suriname’s national coach, Henk ten Cate, has also reached out.
“I am the child of Surinamese parents, I go on holiday to Suriname every year, so that meant a lot to me too.”
Suriname approach adds emotional weight
Asked whether choosing between the Netherlands and Suriname is a complicated one for him, Summerville was honest but cautious.
“I haven’t been called up for the Netherlands yet, so the moment isn’t right yet,” he said.
However, he hinted at where his heart leans. “I have played for the Dutch youth national teams my entire life, so the bond with the KNVB is there, and has been for a long time.”
“The highest possible level” – World Cup ambition drives decision
Any decision that the 24-year-old makes, will be done based purely on sporting ambition.
“It is clear that I have the sporting ambitions to aim for the highest possible,” he said.
“The people I have spoken to recently have understanding and respect for that, and I appreciate that.”
The forward admits he still dreams of the biggest stage. “As a little boy, you dream of participating in a World Cup; everyone will recognize that,” he said.
But he is refusing to get ahead of himself. “In top-level football, it works like this: you have to make sure you are ready time and again. So not just one nice match, it’s continuously getting the best out of yourself. Your game has to go to the next level, time and time again.”
What comes next for the West Ham winger
For now, Summerville appears to be keeping his options open. But the message he is sending out is clear, he wants to reach the highest level possible. On that front, it’s a clear choice between the Netherlands and Suriname.
Both have made their interest clear, and Koeman has already admitted he’s keeping a close eye on the West Ham star.
Given his recent form, the growing international interest is no surprise. He has seven goal involvements in his last seven games for the Hammers and seven goals in his last ten in all competitions.
His performances have been a major factor in West Ham’s fight to move out of the Premier League. Now an international battle for him appears to be on the cards.
