Van Bronckhorst Surprised Schaken with Jong Oranje Call After Under-19 Mix-Up

Feyenoord trainer Giovanni van Bronckhorst personally surprised 17-year-old winger Jerayno Schaken with the news of his first call-up to the Netherlands under-21 national team, Jong Oranje. Schaken, who was unaware of his selection, had initially believed he was being called up to the under-19 team. Aaron Bouwman of Ajax is also making his first appearance in the Jong Oranje squad.

A Personal Surprise

During a press conference broadcast on Feyenoord ONE, Van Bronckhorst explained how he delivered the news. Hij wist het nog niet, the coach stated. He had received a message from Jong Oranje coach Michael Reiziger about Schaken’s involvement, and informed his player that he was being called up to a higher level. Volgens mij zit hij bij Onder 18 nu, hij dacht bij Onder 19. Ik zei, nee het is nog een hoger. Het is Jong Oranje. Schaken’s reaction was one of pleasant surprise. Hij was verbaasd maar natuurlijk ook wel blij, Van Bronckhorst recounted. The player had not yet received an official invitation and was not entirely convinced he would be selected. Toen zei ik nou, ik ben gebeld, je zit erbij. Hij was blij en super leuk voor hem natuurlijk.

A Recognition of Talent

The call-up is a significant milestone for the young talent, who made his Eredivisie debut this season and scored on his first appearance. Van Bronckhorst sees it as a compliment to the player’s rapid development. Jonge speler die een mooie toekomst tegemoet gaat. Om nu bij Jong Oranje te zitten, als hij zo jong is, is natuurlijk wel een mooi compliment voor hem, voor ons als club, maar als eerste voor hemzelf. Schaken joins his Feyenoord teammate Givairo Read in the Jong Oranje squad for the upcoming matches. Jaden Slory is not part of the selection.

Play-Off Matches Ahead

Jong Oranje is preparing for a crucial two-legged play-off against Denmark to determine which nation qualifies for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. The first match will be held on Friday, 13 November, at 18:30 in Vejle Stadion in Denmark. The decisive return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November, at 18:30 in Yanmar Hanasaka Stadion in Almere.

• Source: FR-Fans.nl
• Source: OnsOranje.nl
• Source: Feyenoord Headliner