AZ’s faith in Wouter Goes held up as model for Dutch youth development

AZ’s decision to trust Wouter Goes rather than recruit another defender is being presented as an example for other Dutch clubs. Brandenburg recalled that, around two and a half years ago, injuries had ruled out almost all of the centre-backs in AZ’s senior squad. The club responded by promoting the inexperienced Goes instead of entering the winter market.

Brandenburg believes that approach should be encouraged across Dutch football. He told VI that young players need meaningful opportunities if the national game is to improve, adding: “The KNVB really needs to think carefully about that.” He specifically questioned how the governing body could prevent clubs from fielding teams made up entirely of foreign players.

The message also extends to patience. Brandenburg said he regularly sees sufficient talent in youth matches, but argued that prospects must be allowed to make mistakes without being written off immediately. Goes struggled badly on his professional debut against Jong Ajax, he noted, yet has since established himself in AZ’s first team.

Goes’ next area of development is leadership. Brandenburg sees signs of progress in the defender’s partnership with Lewis Schouten, describing Goes as a calming influence on his younger team-mate. Having already been vocal as a youth player, Goes is expected to take on an increasingly prominent coaching role on the pitch for the senior side. Brandenburg expressed no concern about whether the defender has the confidence to do so.