Ronald Koeman reveals reason for picking Wout Weghorst over Zian Flemming

Ronaldo Koeman faced huge criticism for not picking the in-form Burnley striker.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin in less than two weeks, the footballing world is gearing up for the premier competition.

With the participating teams required to submit their final squads by June 1, nations have started announcing the final list, with certain picks drawing criticism.

The Netherlands national football team is widely regarded as one of the dark horses of the tournament. The side will be aiming to make significant progress after being eliminated in the quarter-finals by eventual 2022 World Cup champions Argentina.

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has found himself in the spotlight after gaining widespread criticism for his selection criteria for the World Cup. He has been scrutinised for selecting players based on international pedigree instead of their current form.

Also read: Netherlands announce final squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Virgil van Dijk

Ronald Koeman Explains His Selection Decision

Journalist: “Of course, there is also a striker who has scored eleven goals in the Premier League this year.”

Ronald Koeman: “Who?”

Journalist: “Flemming? Scoring in the Premier League, that’s quite something, isn’t it?”

Ronald Koeman: “Well, okay. In the way we want to finish a match, with set-pieces, there are so many moments when Weghorst can be of added value. You might not see that, or you guys might not see that, but I do.

“So yes… we have a difference of opinion on that. In that regard, Flemming is not, to me, an added value compared to the strikers we already have. They are different from Weghorst, after all.”

Ronald Koeman faced criticism during the announcement of the Netherlands national football team. During the press conference, Koeman was asked about his decision not to include Burnley striker Zian Flemming. However, for a moment, the manager was unable to recognise the player.

Flemming had an incredible season, scoring 11 goals in 21 appearances in the Premier League. Wout Weghorst, on the other hand, had a poor season in comparison, managing merely 13 G/A for AFC Ajax. Koeman clarified that Weghorst was selected for his ability to defend set-pieces and his hold-up play.

He had an impressive outing in the 2022 World Cup, scoring twice against Argentina after going 2-0 down, sending the game into extra time.

Also read: Top five players left out of Netherlands’ FIFA World Cup 2026 final squad ft. De Ligt & Frimpong

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