Oranje in the Finals again!!

May 16th, 2012 | by: Jan | Comments(28)

No people, it’s still 24 days to go. You didn’t oversleep. You haven’t missed a thing.

This is about the Under17s. The third time (!) in four years (!) that Alfred Stuivenberg and his team reaches the end game. And the opponent, again, is Germany.

And the players that won the title last year against Germany have developed tremendously. Kids like Tonny Vilhena, Terence Kongolo, Anass Achahbar (all Feyenoord), Jetro Willems and Memphis Depay (both PSV) made their debuts in the Eredivisie already.

Stuivenberg: “It’s clear that we’re doing something really well. This group is very talented yet again.”

And Germany is the opponent again. Coincidence? “No, not really. Their youth development is really good too and they have simply more players to pick from. They have more money to spend too and they really put out to prepare well. I’m a bit envious. They have 21 people in their support staff. They have their own bus, their own chef and their playing style and philosophy comes closer and closer to ours. And they have tremendous talents!”.

17 year old super prospect Tonny Trindade de Vilhena (17) had a big year. The media had really discovered him when he made his sensational debut for Feyenoord this season.

Last summer, you won the European title, you played the World Cup in Mexico, then you had your debut in Feyenoord and now this finals. What a year…

“Yes, it’s been quite incredible. My career is basically this straight line to the top. I do realise than and I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

As a result of this tournament, you couldn’t play the key game for Feyenoord against Heerenveen nor be present at the celebrations later.

“Yes, that was tough. But hey, I can’t be at two places at the same time. This tournament is very important for me.”

And now against Germany…

“Yes, we won’t have any motivational issues for that one. But they’re a very good team. We will need to be top! It will be a tight game and I’m sure they are also looking at us and going “oh no, not them again…”.

And after this tournament, a new deal with Feyenoord?

“That is right, Feyenoord wants to extend my deal. We’re still talking but I think we’ll sort it out soon. I need a short break to get the battery going again and then I’m looking forward to next season with Feyenoord.”