In the recent Dutch national team squad announcement, veteran Wijnaldum, playing for Al-Wehda, was included. It was reported that Coach Koeman attended an Al-Wehda match in person to assess Wijnaldum’s performance.
Koeman commented, “I’ve known him for a long time, and I’m curious about how he’s performing with his current team, especially whether he can still contribute anything extra.”
However, he dismissed the notion that this was a “test” for Wijnaldum: “A test? I think it’s the same for every player, as there’s still a long way to go until the Euros.”
Forward Brian Brobbey of Ajax had to withdraw due to injury, and Koeman remarked, “Ajax’s schedule is too congested, and footballers nowadays are pushed to their limits in the modern game.”