Sudden call-up for Ajax player raises many questions: ‘The worst in the Netherlands!’

Michael Reiziger's decision to call up Joeri Heerkens has raised serious questions among fans of the Netherlands Under-21s. The Jong Ajax goalkeeper replaces the injured Rome-Jayden Owusu Oduro.

Owusu Oduro withdrew from the Netherlands Under-21s on Monday. The AZ goalkeeper is not fit enough to play in goal. AZ team-mates Wouter Goes and Kees Smit also withdrew.

Despite several mistakes this season, Heerkens is set to make his Netherlands Under-21s debut.

Heerkens made repeated mistakes in recent matches against Jong FC Utrecht, a 6-1 defeat, and TOP Oss, a 2-2 draw. He also received a red card against Jong FC Utrecht.

On X, the Netherlands coach has come in for heavy criticism. "Heerkens, because Reiziger has no idea which goalkeepers play outside Amsterdam. Really the worst goalkeeper in the Netherlands," Frank responds.

Another user asks: "On what basis was Heerkens called up? I haven't seen any talent in the lad yet. Is the goalkeeping situation in our country really that bad?"

Next week, the Netherlands Under-21s face Denmark in the play-offs to qualify for the final tournament. The first leg takes place on Friday in the Danish town of Vejle, with Tuesday's return leg at the Yanmar Hanasaka Stadion in Almere deciding the tie.