Man Utd star earns first international call-up in two years as he replaces injured EPL man

Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee will be a late addition to the Netherlands squad after receiving a call-up on Friday.

Xavi Hernandez began his reign at the helm of the Dutch national team with a promising performance against Germany in Amsterdam.

The Oranje snatched a 1-1 draw in the dying embers of the game thanks to Cody Gakpo’s volley, but they were the better side throughout the game and were controversially denied an opener after a VAR interference.

Xavi adds Joshua Zirkzee to Netherlands squad

(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

The Netherlands still have three other UEFA Nations League fixtures before the end of the international break, but Xavi found himself short in attack following Brian Brobbey’s injury against Germany.

The Sunderland striker, who seemingly pulled his hamstring in the first half, was replaced by Mexx Meerdink, who wasted a few glorious chances.

So, with Brobbey out of the equation, Xavi decided to call up a replacement, and the choice fell on Zirkzee. The Oranje’s official X (formerly Twitter) account confirmed the decision.

Therefore, the Man Utd striker has received his first call-up in 22 months. He will have the opportunity to add to his six international call-ups, which all came in 2024.

The 25-year-old made his senior debut for the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals against Turkiye, and then had another brief cameo in the semi-final defeat to England.

Ronald Koeman then gave Zirkzee another four playing opportunities in the previous edition of the Nations League, before dropping him from his plans, mostly due to his lack of playing time at United.

Timely boost for Zirkzee amid his Man Utd struggles

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

For a player who has been constantly overlooked for months at club level, this is exactly what the doctor has ordered for the striker.

Zirkzee has been on the periphery of Michael Carrick’s project, as he hasn’t been able to gain relevant playing time even in Benjamin Sesko’s absence.

Therefore, the former Bologna star will certainly cherish the opportunity to temporarily move out of Carrington and train under a coach who actually requested his presence.

While it remains to be seen if he’ll make the most of this opportunity with the Netherlands, Zirkzee’s Man Utd stint is probably beyond salvageable, unless Carrick is sacked before January and is replaced by a new manager who decides to rely on the Dutchman’s services.

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