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Dutch icon Ruud Gullit has heaped praise on Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee for his recent performance with the Netherlands national team. The centre-forward opened scoring for the Oranje as they demolished Bosnia and Herzegovina 5-2 in the UEFA Nations League.
Ronald Koeman's side came up with an exceptional showing as they started their UEFA Nations League campaign with a big win. Apart from Zirkzee, Tijjani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo, Wout Weghorst and Xavi Simons also found the back of the net for the Netherlands.
While reacting to the Netherlands' victory, Ruud Gullit has lavished praise on Zirkzee. The former AC Milan and Chelsea star insisted that the Dutch national team plays better football with Zirkzee in the side highlighting his linkup play.
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Gullit said, as quoted by AFC Ajax on X (formerly Twitter):
"Because of Joshua Zirkzee, the Dutch National Team plays better. He is very good in combination football and connections on the pitch happen because of him."
Manager Ronald Koeman included Zirkzee in his squad for the UEFA European Championship 2024. However, the 23-year-old was limited to just two late appearances from the bench.
Zirkzee joined Manchester United this summer in a reported £36.5 million deal from Bologna following an impressive season in Serie A. The former Bayern Munich striker scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 37 appearances last season and was named the Serie A's Best Young Player.
The Dutchman scored on his debut for United, helping his side secure a 1-0 win against Fulham. However, he has failed to find the back of the net in his next two appearances for Erik ten Hag's side.
Peter Schmeichel claims Manchester United are not utilizing 'fantastic talent' properly
Manchester United icon Peter Schmeichel has criticized the way his former club are using his compatriot Rasmus Hojlund. Schmeichel has lavished praise on the young striker and insisted that the Dane has an X-factor.
The former Manchester City goalkeeper told TipsBladet:
“He is a fantastic talent. The possibilities that lie within him are at the highest level. Now Ruud van Nistelrooy came in and I spoke to him briefly. He says there is so much potential in this. If he can help him, he is a very impressive young person. He is far older than the 21 years he is."
The five-time Premier League winner with Manchester United added:
"He has a great perspective. He is very sensible and cheeky – all the things you want in a young striker. It’s not just Rasmus! The team is not playing him right, so there are some things that need to be corrected.”
Hojlund joined Manchester United in a deal worth a reported £72 million from Atalanta in the summer of 2023. The Denmark international had a mixed debut season for the Red Devils, contributing with 16 goals and two assists in 43 games.
The Dane is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and it has been claimed that Erik ten Hag is unlikely to rush him back to action.
