Manchester United youngster Tahith Chong has earned his first call-up to the Netherlands Under-21 side.
The 18-year-old has been rewarded for his fine form at club level with a promotion to his countries' next age bracket for their upcoming fixture vs fierce rivals Germany.
Netherlands U21 manager Erwin van de Looi has named a new look side for the upcoming friendly fixture with Chong amongst eight debutants promoted to the squad.
The academy star has been in sensational form for United's Reserve side this season, and was an unused substitute for Jose Mourinho's senior side for the Champions League fixture vs Juventus earlier in the month.
Ajax duo Dani de Wit and Kaj Sierhuis, FC Emmen goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, the FC Groningen duo Deyovaisio Zeefuik and Jan Hoekstra, Spartan Deroy Duarte, and attacker Jay Roy-Grot, who is on loan with VVV have all earned their first call-ups for the match on 16 November.
Despite never making a senior appearance for United it seems only a matter of time before Chong makes his debut.
Speaking after the defeat to Juventus earlier this month, Mourinho revealed why he left the youngster on the bench despite him being the only attacking option in a game United trailed.
"Alexis Sanchez was in the stand," Mourinho explained. "Lingard was in the stand, Fellaini, may or may not be in the stands, he might have been at home, I did not see him.
"The only attacking option I had on the bench was an 18-year-old lad who I had never played in the first-team before. And I didn't think, given the dynamic of the game, that it would have been appropriate to have put him on.
"You can't expect a young kid, making his debut in a game like that, to give you something or perhaps score a goal, so that's why we didn't make any changes and stuck with the players we had on the pitch."
Danielwilfredfrancis
0
I wish you all the best
Niblnorz
0
Jose is right chong shouldn't play the game
LTeagles
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These youngsters had better leave Utd before Mourinho destroys their confidence and natural abilities. This manager cannot even motivate senior players
wawadelnps
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Daniel Fornah This is Muourinho, always lacking confidence in his players. The quality of players he has Sir Alex could manage and win the PL again and again. Was it not these academy guys that would come from no where to make their mark with Sir Alex? Give the kids a chance
EmmaKelechi
1
I've never seen nor heard a man not having confidence in himself now the youth players like mourinho. Sometimes if you don't know what to say u shut up jose
Chris4ManU
1
Am sure the like of Ronaldo. MESSI AND ROONEY ETC would have never played at a young age if Mou was the coach
vutdosy
2
this coach is overthinking the game as always. Chong was the unknown factor for this juventus game. he could made such a difference, we had nothing to lose then cause we're already Ina losing position, but he was too busy admiring the juventus defense and trying to prove a point instead of trying to win the game. He doesn't have any track record in developing youth players any where he goes so we shouldn't be surprised. Can't wait for him to get out of Manu, kmt
as_win10
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He is a future legend Super young Talent Deserves a place in main team
LAMC10
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I think he's gonna do amazingly for utd
if he stays
Zowabcdkos
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we can even use him on the right wing.
Pucknprsty
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wow, good one
Nexis Junior
2
I think he's gonna do amazingly for utd
TonyV25
1
And then there is Mourinho who was saying he can't give him debut in a big game like Juventus We need to believe more in our youth as don't forget Rooney also made his debut in UCL and scored a hat trick
zeoabilmyz
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A journey of thousands miles begin with a step , congrats Chong.
rewbeikz
2
mourinho has no faith in our young talent like sir Alex or van gaal did
Dakacelz
3
How does Mourinho know if he doesn’t give him a chance. He used him in the preseason and he played well enough to get a go in the first team.
12UnitedGuy
3
Congrats lad keep the hard work going and soon you will find yourself in United A team wish you the best remember the sky can be your stepping stool