by RedorDead » Sat Jul 28, 2007 2:33 pm
I think some of the criticism of van Basten on here as a coach is a little harsh, he has actually got the Dutch national team playing pretty well together.
A few years back the talk in Holland was of doom and gloom with no youngsters coming through to replace the old guard. The De Boer brothers, Bergkamp, Davids, Seedorf, Kluivert, Stam et al were a real golden generation but ageing and there was no sign of any real quality coming through. Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder aside there was a problem looming. Marco van basten can't take sole credit but with the od guard gone there is now a real decent core of young dutch players playing for the national team and they are getting results. The last qualifying campaign for the World Cup was very impressive in a tough group and they are on course again for the Euro's next year.
With reagrd to van Basten's comments I can't see the issue, he has protect his own interests and it is a fact that young talented players warming benches throughout Europe are not going to make international squads. If Babel proves his quality and cements a regular place here then I am sure van Basten will be the first to pick him and congratulate him on his success and be thankful that he has progressed with Liverpool. Time will tell.
L - I - V.....E - R - P.......Double O - L....Liverpool F C!!!!!