Ahead of the international break, Newcastle defender Sven Botman decided to withdraw from the Netherlands Under-21 squad.
The £32m man has chosen to focus on the Magpies after a stuttering start to life under Eddie Howe, who has handed the Dutchman four starts out of a possible seven in the Premier League.
Now, Erwin van de Looi has commented on the situation, and he is far from happy.
What’s the story?
Well, the Netherlands Under-21 boss admits he is “disappointed” with Botman after his withdrawal.
As quoted by VI, Van de Looi said: “I had telephone contact with Sven. We’ve talked about it. Of course I accept his decision, but I don’t understand him.
“It is everyone’s free choice to come here, but I was disappointed with that announcement, that’s for sure. Everyone has their free choice. But I don’t think it’s too convenient for him either.”
We can’t help but agree with Van de Looi.
Newcastle should also be upset with Sven Botman
In our view, Newcastle should have encouraged the 22-year-old to team up with Van de Looi during the international break.
We can understand why Botman decided to stay on Tyneside given the fact he is yet to become a regular starter under Howe, although surely it would have been more beneficial for him to get some game time for the Netherlands Under-21 side.
Had he flown out with the Oranje, Botman would at least be playing proper games of football – at Newcastle right now, he can only train.
Howe is not stupid.
The 44-year-old is more than aware of how good Botman is, or else he wouldn’t have spent £32m to sign him.
In our view, Howe is simply easing the Dutchman in at Newcastle, and the youngster didn’t need to abandon the Netherlands Under-21 side.
Now, it will take a gargantuan effort from Botman over the next month to have any chance of impressing Louis van Gaal and earning a place in the World Cup squad – only time will tell how this decision impacts the defender.
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