Addressing the media at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg after the Netherlands recorded a 2-1 win over Poland, Ronald Koeman suggested that Wout Weghorst’s unique skillset makes him a versatile asset that strengthens the Dutch squad.
Introduced as a late substitute, the ex-Manchester United forward needed just two minutes to leave a lasting impact on the game. Arriving at the near post, he bundled a cross past Wojciech Szczęsny to hand the Netherlands victory – and Koeman praised his “English qualities” post-match.
“He found the net which was decisive at that point of time. He was able to play and that’s an added value to the team because he has a different way of playing… it should have been 4-1 in favour of us after one hour. We played very well but we had many pecularities, we weren’t able to find the net.”
“I think every team needs Dutch qualities and also English qualities that make the team stronger,” explained the head coach, who remained insistent that he has not yet decided whether the talismanic forward could be in line to start against France.
“I’ve not been thinking of the next lineup. It’s weird to think that, we’ve just finished this match so I don’t know the lineup for the next match,” he continued.
Weghorst scored twice as a substitute in the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ensuring their match against Argentina went to a penalty shootout. Asked as to whether the 31-year-old’s performance in that match was discussed prior to his cameo appearance in Hamburg, Koeman brushed off the idea and instead praised the forward’s professionalism.
Koeman explained that when Weghorst came into the national team setup, “he was a little bit upset and that’s good, I think that’s a good reaction. Wout was upset and he’s doing a lot to get the opportunity to start and that’s a great mentality from the player, [but] it’s always the last decision by the coach.”
With the Netherlands now sitting at the helm of Group D ahead of Austria’s meeting with France on Monday, Koeman concluded that “the final result increased our confidence today.”
The Oranje’s next match will see them take on France in Leipzig on Friday.