Koeman criticizes Bergwijn and shuts down the winger from the Netherlands job

Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman says he will no longer select Steven Bergwijn after moving to the Saudi Pro League.

The 26-year-old joined Al-Ittihad from Ajax for an estimated £17.7million this week, ending his time in his homeland.

Bergwijn, who previously played for PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham, has won 35 caps for his country, including twice at Euro 2024 this summer.

Speaking at a press conference, Koeman said: “The book is closed on him. You know what I think about this.

“If you are 26 years old, your biggest ambition should be sports, not finance. These are decisions made by the players.

“I have never been in that situation, because I could go to Barcelona. He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad, is it? You have to respect that choice, but I personally wouldn’t (move).”

Ronald Koeman didn’t hesitate 😮

Steven Bergwijn is out! ❌ pic.twitter.com/6FqxC2AdSn

– Game of the day (@BBCMOTD) September 3, 2024

The Netherlands will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Eindhoven on Saturday.

Memphis Depay, Marten de Roon and Georgino Wijnaldum were also left out.

But Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been included, and Koeman admits he spoke to the defender about his future before making the decision.

He added: “I thought it was very important to go and see him and feel with him.

“Are you going to give everything for two more years at a high level and still see your future? And he does. I did the same with him. All doubt gone, he just continued.

“He admitted that he did not reach the level you expected from him as a player in the European Championship.

“As a captain, I think he did a good job. But perhaps because of that, he put more energy into others than into himself.”