Rafael van der Vaart has suggested that Jordy Clasie should be considered as a backup option for the Netherlands national team should Frenkie de Jong be unavailable for selection. The former Dutch international made the recommendation during an appearance on the television program Rondo on Ziggo Sport, stating that Clasie would be an ideal replacement if de Jong cannot play due to injury or other reasons.
Van der Vaart specifically mentioned Clasie over other frequently discussed alternatives such as Marten de Roon, emphasizing the AZ midfielder’s experience and current form. Clasie, who captains AZ Alkmaar, recently returned to action after an absence of approximately six months and was present at the Rondo discussion as a recent KNVB Cup winner.
Despite van der Vaart’s endorsement, Clasie has previously stated that he is not available for international duty, citing the require for his body to rest. He has earned seventeen caps for the Netherlands and has indicated no immediate change in his position regarding selection for Oranje.
The discussion around potential replacements for de Jong comes amid ongoing concerns about the Barcelona midfielder’s injury history, which has raised questions about his availability for major tournaments such as the upcoming World Cup. While de Jong is currently fit and playing for Barcelona, his past injury issues have led to calls for reliable cover in midfield.
Jordy Clasie has spoken publicly about the value of his role within the Netherlands setup, describing himself as an “onmisbare” (indispensable) component of the team’s structure, even when not contributing goals or assists. His return to AZ has been noted as a significant development, with some outlets highlighting how his comeback has surprised observers in Dutch football.
Various Dutch media outlets have explored the idea of Clasie serving as a deputy to de Jong in the national team setup, particularly in defensive midfield roles. However, Clasie’s own stance on international participation remains a key factor in whether such a selection could be realized.
As of the date of the original report, no official change in Clasie’s international availability has been announced, and Ronald Koeman has not publicly confirmed any alteration to his midfield options ahead of future fixtures.
The situation underscores the ongoing debate within Dutch football about balancing player welfare with competitive demands, particularly for athletes returning from extended injury absences.
For updates on Netherlands squad selections and player availability, fans are encouraged to follow official announcements from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and trusted sports news sources.