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Royston is still “just” Royston…

November 22nd, 2008 | By: Jan | 14 Comments »

Royston Drenthe made his return to a Dutch pitch to play with Holland B against Young Sweden.

Summer 2008 was a summer to quickly forget. The expectations were high. And the ambition was to win gold in Bejing with Foppe de Haan’s success team. And Royston Drenthe of Real Madrid was the star of that team. And the apple of De Haan’s eye. But, gold never came and there had to be a reason for it… In the weeks after the Olympics, the stories came out about expensive watches and mobiles with diamonds. The love between Foppe and Royston was over and the former Heerenveen coach ignored Drenthe for Young Oranje’s next game.

Royston was back in Holland and he was eager to demonstrate that Royston was still “just” Royston. “We’re all pro’s and we didn’t go to China as tourists. We all performed under par, me included, but we need to move on. I haven’t had any contact with De Haan since…”

Drenthe loves Nederland B. “I think it’s cool. Young Oranje is already a high level, but this is definitely 20% tougher. And I like the name: Oranje B or Nederland B. It’s a good idea. And I enjoy playing for my country, it’s the biggest honor.”

Royston is Royston. Loud during training. Laughing when he nutmegs a mate and coach Johan Neeskens can’t help laughing too. And he talks like he runs. Fast. “I overheard Neeskens at the press conference. He said he didn’t know me, and didn’t have any issues with me. He thinks I’m a good player and he wants me in this team. I see this is a fresh start.”

About Real Madrid: “I enjoy myself and I think I’m doing well. I get better every day. Did you see the game against Juve? I started. And in the league, I have played quite a lot too. I really enjoy being in Madrid. The coach under pressure. I heard that yeah. I would hate it if he had to go. I respect him. He sees it in me and allowed me to make my debut. He backs me all the way. Man, it’s hard to be a coach at Madrid. It’s tough on us, but in particular for the coach. Can you imagine what it’s like? But, you know, I shouldn’t talk about this…”

Tags: Drenthe, Feyenoord, Group C, Neeskens, Oranje, Real, Schuster

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Comments

By 3ric | November 22nd, 2008 at 9:26 am

I used to like him A LOT, but my respect to him is falling faster than the stock market these days. His big mouth and celebrity-like attitude made me sick. He has to realize that he hasn’t accomplished anything. OK, he had a great 6-month with Feyenoord and starred in the youth level, but this didn’t mean anything. I guess this is a common problem with young players when money and greed take control of their career. I don’t know how in the world he bragged about his performance in the game vs. Juve. That was just one match ffs, and RM lost in that game! All things considered, Drenthe’s contribution with Real Madrid isn’t exactly what people might have expected. He often comes in the last 10-15 minutes to deputize Robben. He has good acceleration and pace, but other aspects of his games are very average. Many things need to improve: ball controls, crosses, shooting, and his goal ratio. As closing, I conclude that he should shut his mouth up and start playing, otherwise he will come down as one of the most celebrated flops in Dutch history. I wouldn’t oppose if he moves to a smaller club in return of more playing times.

By Mario | November 22nd, 2008 at 12:53 pm

I agree!

By goose | November 22nd, 2008 at 2:16 pm

i think Drenthe sucks, ill never cheer for that kind of people

Posted from Netherlands

By Dean | November 22nd, 2008 at 5:07 pm

DRENTHE IS THE FUTURE ROBINHO! HATERS BACK OFF!

Posted from United States

By Bart | November 22nd, 2008 at 5:23 pm

Watched him today, he wasn’t all that bad. Had some good passes and assists. Yeah he made a few mistakes but that’s just youth showing through. I think he’ll be really good once he really starts cracking down and learn from the leaders at Madrid.

Posted from Canada

By Miguel Rosado | November 22nd, 2008 at 5:43 pm

People forget he’s a kid yet. Drenthe is a great player, the problem is that he went to Madrid when he wasn’t ready to leave Feyenord.
He seemed desperate to prove his worth everytime he came in the pitch and he played without thinking, lately he has been playing more and is doing better and better. In my opinion Drenthe will be a major asset to our national team in the near future.

MARK MY WORDS.

By Felipe | November 22nd, 2008 at 7:02 pm

Drenthe had everything to be THE NEXT Dutch jewel, after 2007 European U-21, but one thing: head. The skill of doing the right thing. He lost the last year, with his primadonna-esque attitude.

Of course he got the gifts of playing and can still rebuild his career. He’s not just Royston, he’s also just a 21-year-old boy. But he needs to start the rebuilding NOW. Otherwise, he will be remembered as 3ric said: a flop, an “eternal promise”, as we say in Brazil. Nothing more.

By ian wilkie | November 22nd, 2008 at 7:18 pm

off topic a bit, is aissati still a huge talent? he is pretty small and currently injured

By Ruud | November 23rd, 2008 at 12:20 am

real madrid has destroyed him and that’s not strange from real madrid to destroy players.
I am worried about the other dutch players there who set in the bench sometimes but they shouldn’t

Posted from Canada

By Jan | November 23rd, 2008 at 5:54 am

Royston in my view is a young cheerful lad, who doesn’t see reality as we see it, since he has been hailed as the second coming ever since he joined Feyenoord. He’s happy go lucky and maybe not too smart. He is very extraverted, wears his heart on his tongue. But sometimes it comes out brash and naive. He’s a good kid I think, but probably spoiled.

When he bragged about his Juve game, it wasn’t to claim he played superb, it was more a response to the reporter who implied Royston didn’t play too often at Madrid.

I think he has a good heart, but gets carried away. It’s quite something to be 18 years old (?) and being courted by Real Madrid. What can you do?

His work-rate is awesome, he will never hide himself on the pitch, he tries hard and he does have skill.

I like to see him succeed. Remember that Seedorf and Davids weren’t the most popular players when they were young. Maybe there’s a bit of envy from the fans too. Tall poppy syndrome and all that.

I say: have faith in the guy. De Haan loved him (once), Schuster loves him, now Neeskens has a soft spot. Hell, even Van Marwijk spoke highly off him.

By Jan | November 23rd, 2008 at 5:56 am

Aissati is still a talent, I’d say. He is injured but with the right approach, he could still make it. Some players take more time (Van Persie, Kuyt, Van der Vaart) others make it big when they’re very young (Cesc, Messi).

By goose | November 23rd, 2008 at 5:59 am

just read that Sneijder scored the only goal for Real yesterday

@ian wilkie ; dont hear much about Aisatti anymore; he used to be the greatest talent in Holland, much better than Affelay but his physical isnt up for pro football .. he reminds me a bit of Gerald Vanenburg who, when he was 16, was called the new Maradonna..but Vanenburg stayed small and couldnt really make it in the top (Vanenburg wasnt injured that much btw)

and mark my words; Drenthe will never get the max. out of his career cause he is too dumb and stupid

Posted from Netherlands

By tiju | November 24th, 2008 at 2:16 am

@goose agree with u.
royston is arogant and stupid but he is match winner than kuyt and co.he has the eager to WIN most of the current palyers dont have that.more over he is tireless worker especially against african teams we will piss of in the aspects of stamina i that cases he can be used

Posted from India