Newcastle’s stalwart defender, Sven Botman missed out on a spot in the Netherlands squad for the World Cup set to kick off in Qatar on Sunday.
I’ve said it before, but if Sven Botman can be left out of your squad you must be very confident that you have the best defenders in the world, so I don’t expect the Netherlands side to concede a single goal all tournament.
Whether Botman deciding to stay at Newcastle and work on becoming more established at his new club over heading out with the Holland Under 21’s for their last friendly had anything to do with the decision to leave Botman behind, only Louis van Gaal will know for sure.
However, there will be a changing of the guard after the World Cup with van Gaal stepping down and Ronald Koeman taking over as the National coach. Something that Botman hopes will improve his chances of a call-up in the future.
Should Botman Have Gone To Qatar
Absolutely
Yes, but glad he didn't
No, he's not ready
He told Dutch magazine Voetbal International (via Inside Futbol): “I had not counted on it happening because I have not been called up before under this national coach and I am yet to make my debut for the Dutch national team.
“Only because things went so well at Newcastle in recent weeks, of course, I hoped for it.
“Hopefully, there will be new opportunities under the new national coach.”
I can’t see a world where someone of Botman’s quality doesn’t have a long and distinguished International career. He’s already proven his worth at club-level and at such a young age. In terms of form, he’s ahead of his fellow countryman, Virgil Van Dijk this season, and I can only see that continuing given where they are in their respective careers.