Netherlands started their Nations League campaign with a 5-2 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina on Saturday evening.
Manchester United duo Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee were both named in the starting XI by manager Ronald Koeman, but they had contrasting fortunes.
De Ligt was guilty of making a high-profile defensive error leading to Bosnia’s second goal. By contrast. Zirkzee had a fine full debut for his country with a goal and an assist.
Speaking to ESPN.nl (via Voetbal Primeur), Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Jr was impressed with the Manchester United star’s performance.
Kraay Jr said: “He passes it with exactly the right speed so that Reijnders can curl it with his inside.
“Zirkzee is so intelligent. He not only passes it on the run, he also passes it in such a way that it is not too hard and ends up on Reijnders’ left. I think that is so beautiful.”
The United striker made a huge impact in his maiden Netherlands start, but he was also critical about his performance in the post-match interview.
The United forward earned plaudits for his two goal contributions, but he was largely ineffective when it came to winning duels again.
The Bayern Munich graduate won just one out of eight duels contested. This is an area where he has to improve, particularly at United.
Zirkzee will be in action against Germany in the Nations League on Tuesday night before reporting for club duty with the Red Devils.
The striker missed two clear-cut chances in the 3-0 Premier League loss to Liverpool this month, and he will be keen to make amends.
United face Southampton on the road in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Stats from Sofascore.com.
This article was written by .
