Manchester United’s Robin van Persie believes his young Dutch teammates Memphis Depay and Jordy Clasie will soon have the nation in full voice as they strive for a first World Cup triumph.
Van Persie, who has scored three goals at this summer’s tournament in Brazil, is excited to see what the youngsters can achieve.
PSV Eindhoven winger Depay has already scored twice in the tournament against Australia and Chile while Clasie, the only outfield player yet to feature for the Dutch, assisted Van Persie’s goal against Ecuador in a pre-tournament friendly.
“You always have the feeling the youngsters can also make a difference,” said Van Persie, 30.
“What I like about Memphis is that he picks things up so quickly. It is not so easy to be here at a World Cup because the level is so high.
“Jordy really wants to play and he deserves that because he works hard in training.
“We’re a team but if you’re able to make a contribution on the field, it just feels a little different.”
The Dutch will face Costa Rica on Saturday after beating Mexico with two last-gasp goals in the previous round.
The squad will be without the injured Nigel de Jong however and Van Persie believes this will be a huge loss.
“I have known Nigel for over 20 years and he is a fighter,” he said of the midfielder, who was won 75 caps.
“We are really going to miss him against Costa Rica. You could see that against Mexico, even though Daley Blind did well.
“It’s great that Nigel is staying with the group as, even off the field, he makes a difference with his energy for the young and older players.”
Main image courtesy of adidas Football via YouTube, with thanks.
