Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has heaped praise on Steven Davis, as quoted by the Daily Echo.
The Gers star will captain Northern Ireland against the Netherlands in Rotterdam this evening, in a crucial Euro 2020 Qualifying Group C clash.
The Dutch are big favourites in their own back yard, but Northern Ireland currently sit above them in the table, with 12 points from five qualifiers.
Going into the game, it’s clear who Koeman believes the opposition’s star player is. He coached him for several seasons.
Rangers and Northern Ireland midfielder Davis lauded
“I think if you are talking about football quality he is the best player Northern Ireland have,” said Koeman, as quoted by the Daily Echo. “I have been with Steven at Southampton for a couple of years, then he had more of an attacking role and now he’s more of a defensive midfielder but he has incredible footballing instincts, incredible technique.”
“He has aged a little bit but he’s still very important. I would like to shake his hand before the match, and then hopefully again after the match with a smile.”
Verdict
This is big praise from Koeman, who is helping this Dutch team undergo something of a renaissance.
After failing to qualify for the last two major championships, they have churned out strong results of late, including defeating Germany 4-2 in Hamburg last month.
Meanwhile, Davis shone for Rangers in the lead up to this international break. Defying his veteran status, he’s found himself playing three times a week, but still barely putting a foot wrong in the middle of the park.
He’s even more important for Michael O’Neill [Daily Mail] than for Steven Gerrard, though.
Davis is the sole top-notch technician in midfield for his country, and if they are to get anything from this qualifier, he’ll need to have another stormer.
