ROTTERDAM, Netherlands – The Netherlands national team is set to face Norway on March 27th, and the squad selection announced by head coach Ronald Koeman has sparked considerable debate, particularly regarding the omission of PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman. The decision, delivered personally to the player, signals a significant shift in Koeman’s plans and raises questions about Veerman’s future with Oranje, especially with the European Championship looming this summer.
Koeman stated unequivocally that Veerman is not currently in his plans, not as a first or second choice for the left-six position. This blunt assessment, reported widely by Dutch media outlets, including Ditjesendatjes.nl, has sent shockwaves through Dutch football. The news comes as a surprise given Veerman’s strong performances for PSV this season, where he has been a key figure in their Eredivisie campaign.
A Personal Matter? Questions Surround Koeman’s Decision
The abruptness of the decision has led to speculation about the underlying reasons. Some, as highlighted in a recent podcast from VoetbalPrimeur, suggest a personal element may be at play. “There seems to be something behind it. It’s often said it might be personal,” a commentator from Studio Oranje noted. The contrast with the situation surrounding Davy Pröpper, another midfielder, has further fueled this speculation. While Veerman’s path to the squad appears blocked, Koeman has left the door open for Pröpper, potentially even for inclusion in the summer’s tournament.
This disparity – a firm rejection for Veerman versus a potential opportunity for Pröpper – has raised eyebrows. Why such a stark difference in approach? Koeman attempted to clarify his reasoning during the press conference, stating that his choices are “fundamentally a football matter,” but also alluded to a difference in “character.” This vague comment has only intensified the scrutiny and prompted further questions about what Koeman is looking for in a player.
Veerman’s Recent Form and International Career
Joey Veerman, born November 19, 1998, currently plays as a midfielder for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie. According to Wikipedia, as of March 7, 2026, he has made 129 appearances for PSV, scoring 22 goals. He also has 17 caps for the Netherlands national team, scoring one goal, with his most recent international appearance occurring on July 10, 2024.
Prior to joining PSV in January 2022, Veerman developed his game at Volendam and Heerenveen. His move to PSV has seen him flourish, becoming a pivotal player in midfield. However, his international career has been less consistent. A particularly difficult moment came during the UEFA European Championship 2024, where he was substituted after just 32 minutes in a match against Austria. Koeman acknowledged the impact of that early substitution, stating, “That was extreme. I can imagine that as a player being substituted after 32 minutes or so, that is painful.”
Koeman’s Communication with PSV
Demonstrating a level of transparency, Koeman didn’t just deliver the news to Veerman directly. He also contacted PSV head coach Peter Bosz to explain his decision. “I choose different types of players for his position,” Koeman reportedly told Bosz, signaling a clear preference for different qualities in midfield. This communication suggests Koeman is not simply dismissing Veerman’s talent, but rather prioritizing players who better fit his tactical vision.
The situation echoes sentiments expressed by Johan Derksen, a prominent football analyst, who believes Veerman lacks the necessary mental fortitude and character for the national team. “That’s a good footballer, but he lacks so much mentally and in terms of character. You can’t have that in a team,” Derksen stated, aligning with the subtle criticisms leveled by Koeman.
What Does This Signify for the Netherlands?
Koeman’s decision to exclude Veerman has significant implications for the Netherlands squad. It forces a reassessment of the midfield options and potentially opens the door for other players to step up and compete for a place. The upcoming friendly against Norway on March 27th (20:45 local time/UTC+1) will be a crucial opportunity for those players to showcase their abilities.
The Netherlands will then face Ecuador in another friendly, providing further opportunities for Koeman to experiment with his lineup and refine his tactics ahead of the European Championship. The focus will be on identifying players who possess not only technical skill but also the mental resilience and character that Koeman clearly values.
Veerman’s exclusion is a stark reminder that talent alone is not enough to guarantee a place in the national team. Koeman is clearly prioritizing a specific profile of player, one who embodies both technical ability and a strong mental game. For Veerman, the challenge now is to address those perceived shortcomings and prove to Koeman that he deserves a place in the Oranje squad.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the Netherlands national team is the friendly match against Norway on March 27th. Fans can follow updates and analysis on the official KNVB website and through reputable sports news outlets. What are your thoughts on Koeman’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below.
