Koeman says Man Utd star Zirkzee 'not good enough' to be in Netherlands squad

The Manchester United star was omitted from the Netherlands' provisional squad for their upcoming Nations League quarter-final clashes against Spain, months after he was included in the Euro 2024 selection last summer.

“He wasn’t in the preliminary selection because I don’t think he’s good enough at the moment," Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman said on Joshua Zirkzee. "Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong."

Zirkzee earned his first 'Oranje' call-up after his breakout season at Bologna, but has not been able to replicate the same form since landing at Old Trafford in the summer transfer window. He counts just 6 goal contributions in 42 games for the Red Devils.

After the Euros, he made four more appearances for the Netherlands during the autumn internationals, scoring his first goal during the 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League in September.

Speaking to 'Studio Voetbal', Koeman added: "Yes, in principle form and fitness are always leading, but that is not always possible. We have a lot of central defenders and midfielders, but we are somewhat limited up front.

“But even then, I still think that you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn’t deserve that now, but that could be the case again in another period.” Zirkzee earned his first 'Oranje' call-up after his breakout season at Bologna.