Dirksen on Weghorst: You feel embarrassed when you see someone like this wearing the Netherlands shirt

The Dutch journalist Johan Derksen sparked widespread controversy after his sharp criticism of striker Wout Weghorst following the announcement of the Netherlands national team squad for the 2026 World Cup, which was revealed by coach Ronald Koeman this week.

During the "Vandaag Inside" program, Derksen criticized the decision to call up the Ajax striker, considering that his current level does not justify his presence with the national team. He angrily said, "You feel ashamed when you see someone like this wearing the Netherlands jersey." He also expressed his surprise at the young player Kees Smit being overlooked, while Weghorst secured a spot on the final list.

Dirksen was not the only one critical of Koeman's selections, as both journalist Valentijn Driessen and analyst René van der Gijp shared doubts about the usefulness of calling up the Ajax striker, especially after his inconsistent season in the Dutch league, where the player faced repeated criticism for his performance and behavior on the field.

Weghorst has significant international experience with the Dutch national team, having participated in several major tournaments, most notably the 2022 World Cup, where he scored two famous goals against Argentina in the quarter-finals. However, his participation in the 2026 World Cup remains a subject of wide debate among the Dutch media and fans.