Why Dual Nationals Shouldn’t Feel Pressure to Choose Jong Oranje

Rising Stars Absorb Attention: Ihattaren, Driouech, and Read

Mohamed Ihattaren’s revival at RKC Waalwijk, Couhaib Driouech‘s deft finishing against Arsenal, and Givairo Read‘s remarkable hat-trick of assists for Feyenoord have recently made headlines. However, none of these promising talents were selected for the Young Orange squad this week. The question arises: What are their current standings?

Potential Choices Loom for Ihattaren and Driouech

The situations surrounding Ihattaren and Driouech echo a potential “Hakim Ziyech scenario.” Both players are eligible to represent Morocco, just as Ziyech did in 2016 after initially being named to the Dutch preliminary squad. Following an injury and a lack of communication from the KNVB, Ziyech opted for Morocco, subsequently shining during the World Cup with a semi-final finish.

The KNVB maintains communication with Ihattaren and Driouech, yet Michael Reiziger, the Young Orange coach, emphasizes that he does not pressure players regarding their national choices. “The choice is always up to the player. We should not pressure players to choose Young Orange. It’s a decision made with full awareness,” he remarked as Young Orange prepares for a friendly against Italy and a matchup with Romania ahead of the European Championship.

“Choosing is not merely about Young Orange, but about representing the Netherlands. It’s a significant decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly,” Reiziger added.

Ihattaren Not Yet in Focus

Reiziger views Ihattaren’s readiness for Young Orange as premature. “Great credit goes to his environment and coach Henk Fraser for getting him back on track at RKC. We see his potential, and sometimes to bloom one must take a step back and just play football. Therefore, I have not reached out to him yet,” Reiziger stated. He added that he believes Ihattaren will need additional time to develop, diverging from a focus on Young Orange at this moment.

When pressed about what he needs to improve, Reiziger remained reticent, saying, “I will discuss that first with the player.”

Driouech’s Situation Remains Uncertain

Driouech’s name has also surfaced in connection with Young Orange. The PSV winger was expected to be selected during the previous international break but opted out due to a binding transfer process required to switch allegiance from Young Morocco, for whom he had already played.

Reiziger noted, “Since then, we have maintained contact. He is still undecided on whether to commit to the Netherlands or Morocco. It’s an impactful decision, and I completely understand he needs time.”

Read’s Hattrick Heroics

Meanwhile, Givairo Read has emerged as a standout performer, notably providing a hat-trick of assists in the recent Eredivisie match against FC Twente. Feyenoord coach Robin Van Persie remarked, “I would have taken the risk to select him if I were the Young Orange coach.”

Reiziger indicated that it was a conscious choice to include Read with the Dutch under-19s during this international break as they undertake critical qualification matches for the European Championship. Yet, he remains a contender for the Young Orange squad. “He is definitely on the radar, performing excellently, and there is a possibility he could join the Young Orange at the Euro this summer,” Reiziger highlighted.

Talent Pool Continues to Grow

All three players, Ihattaren, Driouech, and Read, remain on the shortlist for Young Orange, with some closer to selection than others. The search for talent continues to be a priority for Reiziger, who stated, “I largely have the Euro squad in mind, but I always keep my eyes and ears open for emerging talent.”