Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has told Joshua Zirkzee that he has not been selected for March's international fixtures because he's "not good enough at the moment".
The former Bologna forward was a notable omission from the preliminary Oranje squad that Koeman selected to face Spain in this month's UEFA Nations League double-header.
Zirkzee did start up front in Sunday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Arsenal, but he experienced little joy against William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, being overpowered by the Gunners centre-backs a couple of times.
The 23-year-old has struggled to make his mark at Old Trafford ever since joining from Bologna last summer, although he still made their three Nations League squads in September, October and November.
However, Zirkzee has been axed this time around, with Koeman preferring Brian Brobbey, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Memphis Depay, Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo ahead of him.
Koeman: 'Zirkzee is not good enough at the moment'
© Imago
Koeman is due to confirm his final squad for the March break imminently, but his latest comments do not hint at a reprieve for Zirkzee, whose 'turning and scanning' was singled out for criticism by his national team head coach.
Asked by Studio Voetbal why the ex-Bayern Munich youngster had been cut from the selection, Koeman replied: "He wasn't in the preliminary selection because I don't think he's good enough at the moment.
"Especially scanning when turning or passing often goes wrong. Yes, in principle, form and fitness are always leading, but that is not always possible.
"We have a lot of central defenders and midfielders, but we are somewhat limited up front. But even then, I still think that you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn't deserve that now, but that could be the case again in another period."
Zirkzee made his senior Netherlands debut at Euro 2024 and has now won six caps for the 2010 World Cup runners-up, scoring once and providing one assist in September's 5-2 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Netherlands host Spain in their first Nations League quarter-final on March 20 before the return leg in Valencia three days later, and the winner will face either Croatia or France in the semi-finals in June.
Could Zirkzee still receive a Netherlands lifeline?
© Imago
While Koeman clearly feels that Zirkzee's performances have left a lot to be desired recently, the Netherlands boss could be forced to make one attacking alteration to his final squad.
Liverpool's Gakpo has been struggling with a knock for the past week, and it is not clear whether the forward will be able to face Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg.
Gakpo pulling out may open up another space in the attacking contingent for Zirkzee, but with just six goals and two assists in 42 games this season, he should not be surprised if he is overlooked again.
Ben Knapton
