Should Ronald Koeman try and convince ex-Newcastle and Barcelona striker out of retirement for Euro 2024? | OneFootball

Going into Euro 2024, the Netherlands are likely to go into the tournament without the top scoring Dutch striker in Europe. At the age of 33, Luuk de Jong remains a nightmare for defenders. The 33-year-old has helped PSV to win the Eredivisie with an incredible 27 goals in 33 games. The second highest scoring Dutch forward in European domestic leagues is Brian Brobbey of Ajax with 18 in 29.

Yet it is not just in the Eredivisie where de Jong has been piling on the goals. He also grabbed eight in the Champions League this season as the side made the quarter-finals. Overall, in 47 games for PSV this year he has scored 36 goals and provided 18 assists. Yet in 2023 de Jong retired from international football. Should Ronald Koeman pick up the phone and try and convince the former Barcelona and Newcastle United striker to reconsider?

Since returning to Dutch football de Jong has certainly enjoyed a second lease of life. After just seven goals in 29 games for Barcelona during the 2021/2022 season, he grabbed 18 in 39 for PSV in his first year back. He has doubled that this season. Oranje have plenty of talent, especially in creative areas with the likes of Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo and Joey Veerman. Having an experienced forward who is putting the ball in the back of the net with ease could really help them make a splash in Germany this summer.

Koeman has previously spoken about de Jong’s chances of Euro 2024. Back in February he said that the striker remained clear that he would happily stay retired. However, as the tournament gets closer, perhaps his mind will be swayed as the build up begins in earnest.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson