Dutch trouble

Barcelona’s Dutch players Memphis Depay (left) and Frenkie De Jong

Former Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert believes the Netherlands might struggle after the group stages in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar next month (November 21 to December 18). Kluivert highlighted that certain key players of the national team are not playing enough for their respective clubs and this lack of match fitness could hurt Holland, who prepare to return to the World Cup after failing to qualify for the previous edition in Russia.

"The most important thing is that the players, who are playing in the [Netherlands] team, need to play because you any player can say that he is fit, but you're not playing matches then you're not match fit. And match fitness is the most important thing. You need to have minutes in the legs to perform at the highest level," Kluivert told mid-day during an exclusive chat on Sunday.

‘Van Dijk will come in fit'

"At the moment, two key players at Barcelona - Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Dong - are not playing enough. Frenkie is coming in a lot of the times, but to be fresh and sharp at the World Cup, both need to play at the club more often. For example, Virgil van Dijk is playing every week [for Liverpool] so he will be coming in fit for the World Cup. Not every player can say that," added Kluivert, who is in the city to promote the El Classcio as the official brand ambassador of La Liga. The Netherlands are pitted against hosts Qatar along with Ecuador and Senegal in Group. And the former Barcelona stalwart predicted that though the Oranje might make it past the opening round, they could fall behind their more fancied opponents in the subsequent stages of the tournament.

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Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert at a city hotel yesterday

"They will pass the group stage, but after that they will have difficulties because players of other countries are more match fit as they are playing more games before the World Cup," said Kluivert, 46, who was part of the ‘Golden Generation' of Dutch club AFC Ajax in the 1990s. As a teenager [18], he had come off the bench to score a late winner for Ajax against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League final in 1995 in Austria. Kluivert then went on to have a successful six-year stint at FC Barcelona [1998-2004]. Naturally, he's most passionate about both these clubs.

"Ajax have always been a club who produce players and while it's important to produce players, it's also important is to retain them at the higher level. Most of the times when a bigger club comes along for a player, the normal thing is, the player goes. I believe the player should first play a few years and win prizes before leaving," said Kluivert.

Barcelona struggling

Barcelona are on the verge of another early exit from the Champions League and Kluivert felt it's a pity. "Barcelona need to be in the Champions League. That's a must so this [possible early exit] is a pity. But Xavi [Barca manager] is building a strong team. Next year they will be more solid. He has been a bit unsure lately about players who are leaving and those who are coming in. Now, he knows exactly what he wants so he will mould them accordingly," he signed off.