Football News: Nigel de Jong’s New Role Aiding Netherlands’ Euro 2024 Ambitions
Nigel de Jong, the former Manchester City midfielder, is now channeling his expertise into a new off-the-pitch role that is proving valuable for the Netherlands’ campaign at Euro 2024.
The 81-cap Dutch international, who came agonizingly close to delivering silverware for Oranje during his illustrious playing days, has transitioned into the director of football position at the Dutch FA (KNVB). De Jong, who succeeded Jan Hoogsma in the role in January 2023, is now working closely with Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman to streamline football development across both the men’s and women’s national teams.
“It is a very good prospect to get started in this position, in which I want to help improve Dutch top football, among men and women,” De Jong stated upon his appointment. “The Netherlands has always had the ambition to be among the best in the world. The current talent and the history justify that ambition.”
The 39-year-old was a memorable part of the Netherlands’ World Cup final defeat to Spain in 2010, with his infamous high boot on Xabi Alonso. He then went on to win bronze with the national team in Brazil four years later. Now, he is focused on developing the next generation, drawing upon the experience he gained during his years as a player at various clubs, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
“Working in top football requires specific knowledge and experience,” De Jong explained. “In my years as a player, I gained that at various clubs at home and abroad, and I can now use it. It has been 17 years since I left the Netherlands, but of course, I have always followed Dutch football. And I feel like I’ve always been a part of it.”
With De Jong’s guidance, the Netherlands will be hoping to overcome some familiar faces in the England squad as they meet in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on Wednesday, live on talkSPORT. talkSPORT is bringing you live commentary of EVERY game at Euro 2024, so be sure to tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the latest news, views and reaction to the big moments.
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