'Joey Veerman is with the right coach simply a Kroos'

Column argues Veerman has underrated quality comparable to Kroos with the right coaching, revisiting a 2021 debate after his Euro 2020 struggles.

Süleyman Öztürk's column revisits Arnold Mühren's 2021 assessment of Joey Veerman, who Mühren compared favourably to Toni Kroos after the Real Madrid midfielder's retirement. Mühren had argued Veerman possessed similar qualities and could deliver the same service to attacking players.

The comparison drew ridicule at the time, particularly after Veerman was substituted after 30 minutes in the Netherlands' Euro 2020 match against Austria. Öztürk's piece reconsiders Veerman's underrated abilities and suggests he has the class to operate at Kroos's level with the right manager, while acknowledging Veerman's outspoken personality and willingness to speak his mind have made him an easy target when results disappoint.