Johan Derksen Criticizes Xavi Simons’ Rabona Attempt in Oranje’s Match against Romania

Wessel Before 07:50 03.07.2024

Last update: 08:48 03.07.2024

Johan Derksen is not happy about a specific action by Xavi Simons, as the controversial television personality clearly shows in Vandaag Inside Oranje. The attacking midfielder of the Dutch national team tried to give a cross with a rabona (behind the standing leg, ed.) just before half-time against Romania (0-3 win), but did not succeed.

Simons started again in the starting line-up for the Dutch team against Romania. The contract player from Paris Saint-Germain made an excellent impression and national coach Ronald Koeman even called him the best player on the field afterwards.

René van der Gijp is happy that Simons played at ’10’. “I don’t want to say that he played well, but I still prefer to see him in this role. Just playing along. He didn’t go for everything, but just played along nicely in the game.”

Simons attempted to pass in the 39th minute with a rabona, while he could have also played the ball to Memphis Depay with his weaker left leg. Derksen was very annoyed by this action.

“I get itchy when I see him trying to pass the ball from the back line behind his standing leg during an important match. Then I would say: ‘Wow, take a nice shower!’ Someone (Memphis, ed.) was just free, if he does it with his insides…”

Morning papers

Simons can count on many compliments in the morning papers on Wednesday. “Xavi Simons finally reached his club level”, concludes Valentijn Driessen on behalf of De Telegraaf. The journalist, like Van der Gijp, prefers to see Simons in the role he was given against Romania.

“He was given a free role in midfield behind the strikers, with Tijjani Reijnders and Jerdy Schouten as his companions. It was exactly the role that Simons always aspired to with Oranje, but was never really granted one hundred percent. At PSV and RB Leipzig, Simons was often decisive in that particularly offensive role in the last two seasons, but Koeman had his reservations with Oranje.”

Maarten Wijffels of the Algemeen Dagblad also enjoyed the Dutch star. “Playing as he did yesterday, there is no more discussion about his starting position. Accepting, playing, moving on and being available for a pass again; Simons gave a masterclass in choosing a position.”

“And okay, after the break he sometimes became a bit sloppy, but just when you as a viewer thought: now stay focused, Simons suddenly turned free on the left between three men, and then opened up with a diagonal pass to the right. 40 meters bridged in one foot movement. That makes watching football fun,” says Wijffels.

Always stay up to date with the most important football news? Join the Voetbalzone WhatsApp channel now!

2024-07-03 05:50:00
#Johan #Derksen #substituted #Dutch #star #minutes #nice #shower