Netherlands midfielder Davy Klaassen is aiming for a place in the starting line-up and feels he is close to achieving that goal, VI reports.
The former Everton midfielder came off the bench in Oranje’s first group stage match against Senegal and picked up an assist for the second goal in injury time.
After his convincing inclusion against Senegal, Klaassen is hopeful that there is more in store for him at this World Cup in Qatar.
“I feel I am close to a starting place,” said the former Werder Bremen player.
“Under this coach I have already played a lot of games. He has started me many times and is always very clear with me. That’s nice.”
The Ajax midfielder has been used largely on a rotation basis for his current club this season, starting in just 11 of his club’s 26 matches in all competitions before heading to Qatar with Oranje.
The situation is similar to his teammate Steven Bergwijn, who arrived at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in the summer, but Klaassen says one situation has little to do with the other.
“That is separate,” thinks the creator of the second goal against Senegal in the first group stage match.
“The national coach is very clear in what he thinks of you and what he wants from you. Of course it matters how you do at your club. But the national coach ultimately looks at how you do and have done in Orange.”
Van Gaal is known for investing a lot of time in talks with his players, both collectively and individually, with Klaassen praising the former Barcelona and Manchester United manager for his man-management approach.
“It is impossible to talk to all 26 players every day,” Klaassen added.
“But he spends a lot of time with us. He also says things about players in the group, so everyone knows what he thinks of everyone. That’s easy.”
Bergwijn, who was with Klaassen during the press conference, echoed his teammates thoughts.
“I agree with Davy,” the striker said not for the first time during the press conference at the training complex in Qatar.
GBeNeFN | Tom Phillips
