Van Hanegem backs Meerdink to handle new expectations after Oranje breakthrough

Willem van Hanegem believes Mexx Meerdink, Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël are entering a more demanding stage of their careers following the latest Netherlands international period. Writing in his weekly column, as relayed by Voetbalzone, Van Hanegem said he had enjoyed watching the young trio in recent weeks but warned that expectations around them have now changed.

Meerdink will return to AZ with four senior caps and is set to face Zechiël’s Feyenoord at De Kuip on Saturday. Van Hanegem argued that supporters will no longer see Meerdink simply as an exciting talent, but as an Oranje striker expected to deliver a consistent standard even when either he or AZ is below its best. He nevertheless expressed confidence that the forward can meet that challenge.

Van Bommel also has four Netherlands appearances to his name and is due to play for PSV against SC Heerenveen on Friday evening. Zechiël featured in two matches for the national side. Van Hanegem suggested that experienced Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk can help the younger players deal with the rapid swings in public judgement that often follow an international breakthrough.

The former midfielder also offered support to Joshua Zirkzee. Van Hanegem described the 25-year-old as “one of the best strikers I know technically”, while acknowledging the difficulty caused by dramatically changing assessments of a player’s value. His comments underline a broader message: recent recognition has raised the status of these Netherlands players, but sustaining it at club level will be the next test.