Rondo analysts united in praise for Gjivai Zechiël after Netherlands cameo

Gjivai Zechiël earned unanimous praise from the Rondo panel after making an eye-catching appearance for the Netherlands against Serbia. The Feyenoord midfielder entered shortly before the hour mark in the 2-1 Nations League victory and quickly made an impression on Youri Mulder, Ruud Gullit and Khalid Boulahrouz.

Mulder highlighted Zechiël’s immediate impact, while Gullit praised his movement, appetite for possession and lack of fear at international level. The former Netherlands captain also noted that Zechiël’s team-mates repeatedly trusted him with the ball. According to Gullit, that confidence was justified by several technically accomplished moments late in the game.

Boulahrouz was particularly impressed by the midfielder’s forward-thinking approach. He said Zechiël continually looked to create something near the penalty area, while also pressing energetically when the Netherlands were out of possession. The former defender had previously seen Zechiël play for Feyenoord Under-18 against AZ Under-18 and recalled that the youngster already possessed a bold personality.

Gullit singled out a first-time volleyed pass following a corner and a composed chest control as evidence of Zechiël’s quality and awareness. He described those flashes as “really special” on Rondo, but also stressed that the Feyenoord player must now sustain that standard after his encouraging international outing.