Almost a year ago to the day, Arnaut Danjuma took to Twitter to celebrate the Netherlands’ qualification for the 2022 World Cup at the expense of Erling Haaland’s Norway.
‘Danjumagic at the World Cup’, he wrote.
For his next trick, however, Danjuma made his hopes of a trip to Qatar go up in smoke. Alongside Newcastle United’s Sven Botman, Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen and Bayern Munich benchwarmer Ryan Gravenberch; he is one of the most high-profile omissions from Louis van Gaal’s chosen 26.
This, if anything, feels like a harsh reminder of the fickle nature of elite-level football. Only a couple of months ago, Danjuma was the driving force behind Villareal’s storming run to the Champions League semi-finals; five of his 16 goals in all competitions coming against Atalanta, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
But with current form arguably playing a more important role than ever in Qatar – given the rapid turnaround between the club season and the tournament’s beginning – Danjuma’s dry spell could hardly have come at a worse time.
He has just two goals in nine La Liga matches for Villarreal this term. The harsh reality is that Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Steven Bergwijn and co are just in better nick right now.
Arnaut Danjuma left out of Netherlands World Cup squad
Whether the former Bournemouth talisman would make a different decision when confronted with interest from West Ham United over the summer, if he could turn back the clock, makes for a rather intriguing discussion.
“It is very unlikely that Danjuma will go to West Ham,” Michael Moses, the Dutchman’s agent said; explaining why a potential £35 million move to the London Stadium fell through.
“(The transfer has stalled because of) issues related to personal terms, which have not gone well. (He is) completely calm. If he leaves, fine. And if he doesn’t leave, that’s fine too.
“Danjuma is focusing on La Liga and the World Cup in Qatar.”
The irony of Danjuma watching on from the comfort of his own sofa then, as the Netherlands face off with Senegal, Ecuador and home nations Qatar, will not be lost on West Ham fans. Now, whether this season would have gone any better for him in England is anyone’s guess. Van Gaal is clearly not afraid to overlook big-name players struggling for form, and there’s no guaratnee he’d have settled immediately in claret-and-blue.
But it’s clear that, as far as Danjuma is concerned, he may have benefitted from a change of scenery.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
