De Jong pondering Dutch switch

[jpg75]

There's an article now on Sky Sports

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=418505&CPID=219&clid=366&lid=25&title=De+Jong+pondering+Dutch+switch

De Jong pondering Dutch switch

Roda JC Kerkrade midfielder Marcel de Jong admits to being undecided over his international future.

The 19-year-old has so far appeared at international level for his birth country Canada, though he is also eligible to play for Holland through his parents.

Despite appearing for Canada's Under-20 side at last year's World Youth Championship in Holland, the former Helmond Sport player is still pondering his international future.

The youngster is aware that the Dutch are lacking quality at left back and that may be a role he can fill in the future.

"It's not clear what I will do," de Jong told Dutch daily Algemeen Dagblad. "I will take a decision after the current period with Dutch Under-21s.

"As that's not an official match (a friendly), it's possible to do so (to play for Holland).

"I want to play at the highest level I can reach, and Oranje is better than Canada.

"Also, it's important the Netherlands haven't many good left backs.

"If I could develop myself in the current way, a career in the Dutch national team is possible."

De Jong's comments will come as a further blow to those in the Canadian game, as other Canadian-born players have overlooked the chance of playing for their birth country.

Owen Hargeaves is probably the most high-profile example, having opted to play for England ahead of Canada, while Feyenoord winger Jonathan de Guzman has yet to commit his international future between Canada and Holland.


As Eric Cartman would say "********, ********ity, ********, ********"

[Gordon]

Well, to be honest, De Jong is essentially Dutch having lived there his entire life more or less so it makes a bit of sense.

I did suggest capping him with the senior team after the U-20 as anyone with an eye could see that he was talented. But of course, I don't think we have played an Official "A" match since that time, so it would not have mattered beyond maybe making him feel a little more part of the Canadian set-up.

[jpg75]

He was born here to Dutch parents and has lived in Holland since he was 4 or 5 i think? So yes, it's not a big surprise, but it still hurts Canadian soccer if he defects.

I believe the Spain, US and Austria friendlies were all "A" internationals. Freddy Adu is cap-tied to the US because of his sub appearance against us.

[CanuckFan]

He was born here to Dutch parents and has lived in Holland since he was 4 or 5 i think? So yes, it's not a big surprise, but it still hurts Canadian soccer if he defects.

I believe the Spain, US and Austria friendlies were all "A" internationals. Freddy Adu is cap-tied to the US because of his sub appearance against us.

I believe Freddy is not cap-tied. Ghana still holds out hope for him. They can have him IMHO. De Guzman will be a much better player than Freddy when de Guzman reaches 20 (and Freddy's 25).

[jpg75]

I believe Freddy is not cap-tied. Ghana still holds out hope for him. They can have him IMHO. De Guzman will be a much better player than Freddy when de Guzman reaches 20 (and Freddy's 25).

Ask "SuperDave", a US supporter, prior to the WC his signature sported the FIFA ordinance proving Adu is cap-tied. Adu thinks he's not cap-tied, but he is. The ordinance states any player participating in a Senior "A" international for a country will not be eligible to represent another country.

Anyways, yeah, Jono is going to be a better player than Freddy when all is said and done. Gio Dos Santos for Mexico may be better than either of them though...

[urtel]

My only hope is that he doesn't pull a "Hargreaves" and forget about availablity of spots in a national team.

[CanuckFan]

My only hope is that he doesn't pull a "Hargreaves" and forget about availablity of spots in a national team.
Well Hargreaves has certainly answered his critics who forecast him as call-up for a few games sitting on the bench never to be called again.
If de Jong has a realistic chance to make the Dutch squad, it's hard to argue against his move; however, I hope he is getting realistic advice on his chances as we could probably use him on Canada's team down the road. Right now, his loss would be tolerable as we have two boys not much older but with exciting futures themselves with their clubs and with Canada patrolling the left side in Simpson and Klukowski.

[jpg75]

Well Hargreaves has certainly answered his critics who forecast him as call-up for a few games sitting on the bench never to be called again.
If de Jong has a realistic chance to make the Dutch squad, it's hard to argue against his move; however, I hope he is getting realistic advice on his chances as we could probably use him on Canada's team down the road. Right now, his loss would be tolerable as we have two boys not much older but with exciting futures themselves with their clubs and with Canada patrolling the left side in Simpson and Klukowski.

And there's also Ledgerwood who has played at Left Wingback for 1860. Although i'd like to see him as Stalteris' replacement at RB.

[cuddles24]

This decision is two fold for De Jong. If he played for Canada he would be one of the best players easily in the future, and in his own age group, which means he might be excluded from the roster because of that since Canada often excludes the best players from their rosters. However if he plays for the Netherlands who actually do pick the best people for their squads he might get left off just because they are so deep. So as he advances forward in his National team career it is a two fold decision.

[CanuckFan]

This decision is two fold for De Jong. If he played for Canada he would be one of the best players easily in the future, and in his own age group, which means he might be excluded from the roster because of that since Canada often excludes the best players from their rosters. However if he plays for the Netherlands who actually do pick the best people for their squads he might get left off just because they are so deep. So as he advances forward in his National team career it is a two fold decision.
Don't expect to skate in LOGIC 101 when you enter university or college 3 years from now.

[nucgunner]

I question his footballing brain if he honestly thinks Holland doesn't have young options at left back. Has he not seen Urby Emanuelsson play yet?