Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has received a surprise call-up to the Netherlands squad from manager Xavi Hernandez.
Zirkzee has been drafted in as a replacement for Brian Brobbey, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw with Germany yesterday.
The United striker has been recalled for the first time in two years after previously missing out on the FIFA World Cup squad.
Zirkzee will now hope to make the most of his opportunity across the three UEFA Nations League fixtures during this international break.
The Netherlands will travel to face Serbia and Greece over the next seven days before hosting Serbia on October 4.
Zirkzee has received a surprise opportunity
The 25-year-old has struggled to live up to expectations since arriving at Old Trafford as a highly rated centre-forward.
He has managed just nine goals in 79 appearances for the Red Devils.
United head coach Michael Carrick has shown little faith in the Dutch forward, handing him just 20 minutes of Premier League action across two appearances this season.
United have played seven games across three competitions this season, yet Zirkzee is still waiting for his first start.
He produced an encouraging cameo against Sabah FK, but his performance in the Carabao Cup once again highlighted the inconsistency that has limited his opportunities at Old Trafford.
The Netherlands call-up may have come as a surprise, but it gives Zirkzee a valuable opportunity to silence his critics and remind Carrick of what he can offer.
The former Bologna forward possesses plenty of technical quality, but he must also demonstrate a greater willingness to work hard and contribute without the ball.
If Zirkzee can rediscover his form under Xavi and impress Carrick when he returns to Manchester, he could still have an opportunity to breathe new life into his United career.
Stats from Fotmob.com
