AZ Alkmaar defenders Wouter Goes and Ro-Zangelo Daal have withdrawn from the Netherlands under-21 squad ahead of their upcoming European Championship qualifiers, with the club confirming the duo returned to Alkmaar as a precautionary measure.
AZ Withdraws Duo Ahead of European Qualifiers
Ro-Zangelo Daal and Wouter Goes departed the national team setup last week and missed Friday’s match against Norway under-21s.
Goes has played every minute for the Alkmaar side this season, anchoring the backline without a rest. Daal has similarly established himself as an important attacking outlet, contributing five goals across his appearances so far.
Rehabilitation Plans in Alkmaar
“Over the coming week, they will rehabilitate at the club,” AZ stated regarding the pair. “A period of important matches is coming up in which we will desperately need both of them.”
OnsOranje noted that Goes was left insufficient match fitness to rejoin the squad following his departure from the training camp last week. Meanwhile, Daal’s exit halts his ongoing international involvement after the 22-year-old attacker earned his third under-21 cap earlier this season, having made his debut on September 9, 2025, in a 2-2 European Championship qualifying draw against Israel.
Jong Oranje Maintains Strong AZ Representation
Despite the departures of Goes and Daal, AZ remains the primary supplier of talent to the Dutch under-21 national team, commonly known as Jong Oranje, contributing six remaining players to the setup. The contingent features Elijah Dijkstra, Dave Kwakman, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, debutant Lewis Schouten, Kees Smit, and Ayoub Oufkir.
Jong Oranje continues its qualifying schedule without the AZ duo, facing Slovenia on Friday, October 2, followed by a fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, October 6.
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