Ex-Barcelona midfielder believes Zirkzee fully deserves to be named in Netherlands provisional squad 

Former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta, who now coaches Bologna, has insisted that Joshua Zirkzee deserves to be named in the Netherlands provisional squad for their March internationals against Scotland and Germany.

Zirkzee is one of the two new faces Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has included on a 30-man preliminary list, the other being Quinten Timber who is the twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurriën Timber.

The Schiedam native is eligible for Nigeria through his mother and will not be cap-tied to his country of birth if he earns minutes against Scotland and Germany as both games are friendlies. 

Zirkzee has put himself in contention to potentially earn his first senior cap for the Netherlands thanks to a breakout season that has seen the striker notch nine goals in 25 outings in the Italian Serie A.

The 22-year-old has to continue his impressive form in Bologna's upcoming games against Atalanta and Inter Milan in order to convince Koeman that he is worthy of a spot in the final squad.

Speaking at a press conference before his side's trip to Atalanta, Motta was quoted as saying by Bologna Sport News: "Very happy for him (Zirkzee), he deserves it 200% for what he has shown to date. He must take it naturally, continuing to work as he has done up to now."

Zirkzee was a player of interest to the Nigeria Football Federation during Gernot Rohr's reign as coach of the Super Eagles.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: bolognafc.it
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com