Luciano Narsingh: ready for a step up….

February 22nd, 2012 | by: Jan |

narsingh big

In the winter break, Luciano Narsigh gave an interview to the VI. “I can reach Oranje” was the headline. One month later, Bert van Marwijk and his staff picked the winger, with Twente winger Ola John and AZ midfielder Maher for the preliminary Oranje squad.

Let’s look closer at the Heerenveen winger, who impressed this first season’s half. Right winger Narsingh took over duties from Roy Beerens who was allowed to move up to AZ last summer. Football fans wondered why Heerenveen would do this? The former PSV winger was one of Heerenveen’s stars. But now the experts agree: Ron Jans ( Heerenveen coach) knew Beerens’ replacement was even better.

The 21 year old scored 5 goals in the first season’s half and had 10 assists. Heerenveen striker Bas Dost said it recently: “It’s easy to be the Heerenveen striker if you play with the likes of Assaidi and Narsingh”. Obviously, Assaidi decided to play for Morocco. Narsingh wears the orange jersey.

“I have reached all my goals for this season already. I realise it’s going really fast. But I do what I do. I hope to get 20 assists this season. That would be great. I never expected this to go so quick.” The Amsterdam born winger is soft spoken and uses the formal “u” when he addresses the interviewer. A modest and shy but intelligent lad. “His biggest asset, is his modesty”, says his manager Raiola.

Narsingh learned to play on the streets of Amsterdam oost, where he first met his Heerenveen partner Oussama Assaidi. He went from Fortius ( amateurs) to Ajax, but the Sons of Gods sent him away. He went to play for AZ but they sent him away too. At Zeeburgia, it sank in that he wouldn’t get more chances. At Zeeburgia, talent coach Mike Kolf worked with Narsingh to prepare him mentally for the top. Like he did with Ryan Donk, Rydell Poepon and later with Adam Maher, the other Oranje debutant. “I was young and had a big mouth, like most kids who come from the streets. Not because I’m like that, but it’s self protection. I thought it would help me but it only impeded me. I learned it the hard way. Kolf was essential for me. He could be like a father, or a mate but there were times when I hated him as he was always so straight and direct. I became more balanced and quiet at Heerenveen. It’s a perfect club. Warm, understanding and safe.”

luciano

Narsingh was an artist. Always trying to nutmeg an opponent or do something cool. At Heerenveen, it was Bas Dost who taught him a lesson. Or two. “I talked a lot with Bas. He could be so angry at me and I never realised why. I thought I was doing well, but Bas showed me how he’s free after my first action and if I start dribbling more, the markers will be able to find and cover him again. It opened my eyes… I also had to learn to look. Sounds weird, but I was so good in the youth teams that I didn’t have to look around me. I’d simply dribble on. Now I am doing this again, and again, and again. Repetition… Every practice. Jans used to stop practice constantly if I did it again. I forgot to look or I took on another opponent. “Do it again!!” he’d yell…oh man…” When I started here, I felt I could outrun any opponent and I was already proud when I did. Until I realised the fans go nuts when I let another player score. And they are really happy when we simply win our games and get the three points, haha….”

Narsingh was suprised to see how the vibe at a football club can change within the year. Last year, Ron Jans and Bas Dost had a public war and the vibe was down. This season, Dost scores like there is no tomorrow and everything flows.

“I believe last season was fine too. I learned a lot. Jans did really well and I believe the rift between him and Dost was blown up by the media. Jans is a really good coach. I like his style. And Bas Dost is a tremendous striker. A killer. And a winner too. I am happy to play in this team, as it’s because of them that I can reach my potential. Heerenveen wants to play European football and improve all the time. To me, it’s like I’m playing at Ajax or AZ, really. I don’t see too much difference. Here it’s even better as there is more warmth.”

ron.jans
Jans is making place for Van Basten. Jans wants to take it easy. I can see why…

There is a dark lining around this nice picture though. Ron Jans will leave at the end of this season and there are international scouts in the Abe Lenstra Stadium every home game to watch Assaidi, Dost and Narsingh play. “That is a reality. Well, sure I want to make a step up, but not necessarely now. I will look at what is best for me as a player. Not for my wallet. I’m sure I can make more money in Scotland, Portugal, Greece or Abu Dhabi. But will I go there? Is that smart? Football is more important than money for me. I make good money now and I play every week and the fans and the people here like me. That is paradise already. Next season, Marco van Basten will be our coach. Can you imagine I’d like to stay here and work with him, haha?”

Twente, PSV and Ajax are Dutch clubs that have shown interest. Heerenveen might be “at their level” but these clubs are still a step up. Would Luciano consider them? “Of course. I mean, Twente, PSV and Ajax play for the title and will play CL football regularly. I think a step up in the Eredivisie is the best for me. But not now. I want to see what happens in the second season’s half. But Ajax…to go back to Ajax would be some sort of personal victory, of course. But Feyenoord is top as well, for me. But hey, I have a lot to improve you know. My first touch, my left leg… I need to do more with it… My skills in the confined spaces and my duelling power. Still a lot to work on.”

With a number of wingers not playing or out of form, the Dutch national team looms… “Yeah, people tell me I could be close, but I can’t really focus on that. I personally think the EC is too early for me, but I do aim to become an Oranje player. I’m a regular in Young Oranje, I perform well at Heerenveen and I could well make a step up in the next summer. But Holland has so many great forwards. all guys playing for big clubs with more experience… My time will come.”

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Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 143 comments.

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By Sonneveld | February 25th, 2012 at 3:16 pm

Anyone see that pass by MVB to set Robinho in? Quality stuff

By van den Berg | February 25th, 2012 at 3:33 pm

With Bent out of the England game, they don’t have much physical presence up front. They do have a few very quick players though, Sturridge, Campbell, Walcott, Young, Welbeck. I don’t think, besides Rooney, there is alot of quality there, but will be interesting to see how our defence handles the threat.

When I compare both countries, and look at the quality of young player getting called up, or reaching that point soon, I am very optimistic of the Oranje future. Maher, Narsingh, Clasie… Compare with what England has on the horizon. I don’t think Capello was to sad to leave the job.

By Johnny Rep. | February 25th, 2012 at 3:34 pm

Well said 14.

By Sam | February 25th, 2012 at 3:38 pm

MVB has probably lost a step, but he’s still top quality footballer – hands down still best defensive midfielder out there. Tons of personality, superb passing ability, leadership, long distance shooting.

Posted from United States

By van den Berg | February 25th, 2012 at 3:41 pm

Love van Bommel. A true professional. Most other countries hate him, “dirty player, cynical…”. But he brings so much to the team.

By eduardo | February 25th, 2012 at 3:44 pm

can i asking you a favor?

can we compare the new wingers on the same aspects?

who is better, or Wich is.the.order between : narsingh, assaidi (evenhe choose maroco) Elia, Ola John, cabral, boerighter, in this aspects?:
speed, dribble skills, technique, vision,

for me babel, jeremians lens, beerens are not so good to play for orange.

By Nick | February 25th, 2012 at 4:45 pm

It’s quite simple. Without response, trolls slowly, but surely, always, die.

DNFTT.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)

Posted from Australia

By Thang | February 25th, 2012 at 5:41 pm

Good job Nick and thank you for your information. As Benny Hill said: learning all the time eh ?

Posted from United States

By Demi | February 25th, 2012 at 5:47 pm

>Has the new Netherlands home kit been released yet?

no. but you can pre-order it. the all black away kit is official.

hope that new orange home kit that looks like a tablecloth gets fixed …

Posted from United States

By OranjeFan | February 25th, 2012 at 6:10 pm

Jan

I’m almost afraid to ask but, what’s next with Ajax? No advisory board – when will a new one be chosen?

Is Cruyff in? out? in Mexico? (Mexico – huh??? – scratching my head on this one).

Seems like everyone is just holding their breath and waiting for something to happen.

Any insights?

OJF

By OranjeFan | February 25th, 2012 at 6:28 pm

we signed “Crown Oranje WC 78 Champions – disqualify the cheaters!”

If you search the line above in Google – it takes you straight to the petition. Someone has to get this petition into the media in Netherlands. Everyone else – send the link to everyone you know.

The point was made that FIFA in a way tries to represent “what’s good” in the world, similarly to the Olympics. This is a chance for FIFA to try to elevate its reputation – right now in the minds of most people, FIFA has nowhere near the same high standards – they have a PR problem big time.

OJF

By Demi | February 25th, 2012 at 6:38 pm

>If you search the line above in Google – it takes you straight to the petition. Someone has to get this petition into the media in Netherlands. Everyone else – send the link to everyone you know.

PLEASE !!!!! I gathered 3 sigs. me, neighbor and girlfriend. But not enough.

Jan, can you do anything about it ? how can we spread the word and stop the cheaters from claiming a trophy they never won!

Posted from United States

By Marc | February 25th, 2012 at 9:13 pm

Im thinking that we should play with Emanuelson and MvB as our two holding midfielders. Emanuelson is good on the ball, fast, agile, and a good enough defender. De Jong is not good enough with the ball to get the best out of Vdv and Sneijder. Plus the 2 will be very good together as they play almost every game for AC Milan

IMO

By OranjeRules | February 25th, 2012 at 9:35 pm

Take a few days off from here and all hell breaks loose!!!!

14 – very well said!!!!

Kevin – you two!

Tiju – piss off again, it was so nice without you!

By Steve | February 26th, 2012 at 12:23 am

Totally disagree with you oranjerules.

I completely hate 14’s post.
14, who do you think you are?? probably a frequent posted too afraid to tarnish your stupid blog name.
I’m totally shocked that anyone could agree with that!

man, so embarrassing to read that shit.
This is a blog of fans of the same international football team.
if you know you don’t/won’t like someone’s posts, then just SHUT UP and don’t read them.
Get over yourselves.

Posted from Canada

By Jalepinho | February 26th, 2012 at 1:44 am

Steve, i agree with you. this is getting out of hand.

Jan, some of these posts are very unecessary and i think they should be deleted….

Posted from Singapore

By Mohamed | February 26th, 2012 at 3:09 am

Great game for the dutch players yesterday . Bommel and Emanuelson proved they have a place in the Euro squad .

Bommel always plays great when it comes to big games .

By Ahmer | February 26th, 2012 at 3:41 am

I was so surprised to see that one of Jan’s articles had over 100 comments. After seeing the content its actually shameful. Why all the name calling? Why all the hate?

I personally have been annoyed by Tiju’s comments but I also understand where some of it comes from. We did play that World Cup with 7 Defenders. Our back line plus 2 holding MFs and Kuyt. We won games cause of defense. While the Spainards played our football better then us.

Yes Tiju praises the Germans but you tell me who you would pick if you owned a club… Marco Reus, Mario Gotze or Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel? Mats Hummels or Johnny Heitinga?

Right now Clasie, Maher, John, Narsingh, Martins Indi, Viergever, Gouweleeuw, Ruud Vormer are our best young players and in better form than Robben, VdV, Sneijder. Why not choose them in a meaningless friendly to see how they’ll play?

I personally can’t wait till this EC is over. I love and bleed Oranje but we won’t win I know. Then I hope we let van Marwijk go and put together a solid, balanced attacking team.

By Jad | February 26th, 2012 at 3:44 am

@Ahmer, we will win it…we are the best.

By Ahmer | February 26th, 2012 at 3:58 am

Post BvM Oranje

Vorm
VdW – Bruma – Viergever – Pieters
Sneijder – Clasie – Strootman
Narsingh – v.Persie – Wijnaldum

Subs:
Krul, Gouweleeuw, Martins Indi, Blind, Vormer, Leroy Fer, VdV, Maher, Afellay, Ola John, Luuk De Jong, Huntelaar

By Ahmer | February 26th, 2012 at 4:03 am

@Jad I will be supporting in full force and hope we can pull it off. But we need to stop playing this Italian style defensive football. Sneijder is brilliant and a fantastic footballer but he scored 5 goals for a reason. We weren’t providing for our striker.

If we won then the means would justify the end. But aside from Iniesta’s dive act Spain’s play was superior to ours.

We are the best though! haha

By Mohamed | February 26th, 2012 at 4:53 am

I hope actually we win this EC tournament and WC 2014 in Brazil .

We have enough talent , only need some luck .

@Ahmer : btw , Spain played better than Oranje only in the final . They were very lucky against Portugal & paraguay .

By Sam | February 26th, 2012 at 9:17 am

vP scored another beauty

Posted from United States

By Finnster01 | February 26th, 2012 at 2:03 pm

Kuyt pretty much wins the League Cup for Liverpool. Clutch goal as a sub followed by an even more clutch penalty in the shoot-out

By Aysu | March 11th, 2012 at 3:16 am

swearing off disposable coeffe cups. Somehow I havent quite got around to adding it to my list of official resolutions; let alone taking it serious enough to last more than a day without a cup. I am a wandering English

Posted from Germany