Michael Reiziger has explained why he did not include Mexx Meerdink in the final selection of Jong Oranje for the European Championship. The national coach does not deny that a previous cancellation by the AZ striker plays a role in his decision.
Meerdink was called up to Jong Oranje in November, but then canceled due to an injury. The striker did play in a practice match for AZ during the same international break. That is said to have rubbed Reiziger the wrong way.
“If you receive an invitation, you have to show up,” Reiziger said on Monday in the program Rondo on Ziggo Sport. “Then we can see from there whether you can play or not. You are always an international and not only when it suits you.”
Reiziger has chosen Noah Ohio and Thom van Bergen as strikers in his European Championship selection. Van Bergen only scored five league goals for FC Groningen this season, while Ohio is not a regular starter at FC Utrecht. Meerdink is making a strong impression at AZ. He scored four times in the play-offs last week.
Reiziger emphasized that he is satisfied with the usual selection and therefore is not taking Meerdink. “It also has more to do with the fact that we have been working with a team for two years. Then you don’t want to change too much. Especially not if you have a player who has been doing very well for two years,” Reiziger said, referring to Ohio.
Jong Oranje will play their first match at the European Championship in Slovakia on June 12. Reiziger’s team will then face Finland in Kosice. Denmark (June 15) and Ukraine (June 18) are Jong Oranje’s other opponents in Group D.