- 22 hours ago
Man Utd’s Zirkzee BRUTALLY slammed by coach in 'not good enough' admission
Robin Bairner
- 10 Mar 2025 08:45 CDT
- 5 min read
News
Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee has been given a scathing assessment of his form by Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman.
Zirkzee has found life difficult since moving to the Red Devils last summer from Bologna in a €42.5 million deal.
In 42 appearances across all competitions, he has managed just six goals and two assists, struggling to justify the outlay made on him.
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STATS
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
Joshua Zirkzee
F (C)
Man Utd
Koeman: Zirkzee doesn’t deserve Netherlands call
Although Zirkzee has won his place back in the Man Utd team lately, he has been dealt an embarrassing blow by national team boss Koeman, who says he’s not good enough to be called to the Oranje.
“Zirkzee wasn't in the preliminary selection because I don't think he's good enough at the moment. Especially scanning when turning or passing, he often goes wrong,” Koeman said.
“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.”
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Joshua Zirkzee vs Premier League attacking midfielders 2024/25: Passing
Koeman’s assessment of Zirkzee’s form is backed up by data from data analytics firm SciSports, which displays that he is one of the poorest passers of the ball among attacking midfielders in the Premier League this season.
Indeed, there are already strong rumours that the Red Devils are ready to cut their losses with the 23-year-old former Bayern Munich star.
For the moment, Ruben Amorim appears to be using him because he lacks other options amid an injury crisis that has gripped Man Utd for much of the season.
United are well placed to recoup much of their outlay on the striker, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €48.3m.
