Outstanding Afellay is ready for a big club

Saturday 29 May 2010

For the first time in his career Ibrahim Afellay is really adding something to the Dutch national team. The multifunctional midfielder (24) has been stepping out of the shadow of his team mates, who play their football in England, Spain, Italy or Germany. "Ibi is doing really well," Robin van Persie confirms. "This guy is really ready for a big club abroad."

Afellay is delighted with the positive remarks of the Arsenal star.

"Robin said recently that it clicks with me on the pitch. That feeling is mutual. We are well attuned to each other," says Afellay.

Van Persie and Afellay, both players who learned their skills out on the streets. They used to find the goal past unleveled pavement and puddles of rain. The one between the high rise buildings in Rotterdam, the other in Utrecht. Now they put it on display between the mountaintops of Austria, where the Dutch national team are in a training camp.

Van Persie only got really appreciated when he left Feyenoord for Arsenal. Afellay is encountering a lot of people recently who are amazed about how well he can actually play football. "All of a sudden people seem to be struck by it," he says. "But I believe I've been doing well for a while now. That's I why I can't really see where these people are coming from."

The reason might be that his club coach Fred Rutten has used his captain in a more defensive role. "I don't mind that. It's about PSV, not about me. It's always about the team. Here with the national team as well."

Van Marwijk gave Afellay a free role on the left in the friendly against Mexico. The 21-fold international played his best game for Holland yet. Especially in the first half he was involved with all dangerous Holland moves. "Afellay did very well," the bondscoach said afterwards. "He's been on top of his game from day 1 of the preparations."

Although a lot can happen before Holland play their first game in South Africa it looks as though 10 players are certain of their spots. The big question that remains is whether Arjen Robben will start on the left or on the right. With Robben on the left it will be Dirk Kuyt completing the team on the right wing. With Robben on the right the fight is on between Van der Vaart and Afellay for the spot on the left.

"I can't say much about that," Afellay says, biting his tongue when asked about a rumored transfer to Hamburg. "I can only give it my very best and then see where that gets me. We have many good forwards in the squad. And I actually think that is great."