Soccer-Pinch-hitter Weghorst wants role in Dutch starting lineup

AFC Ajax NV

23/06/2024 17:45

WOLFSBURG, Germany, June 23 (Reuters) - Netherlands
striker Wout Weghorst is still hoping to make it into the
starting lineup at the European Championship even if he has
developed a reputation as the team’s pinch-hitter, he said on
Sunday.
    Weghorst came off the bench to sweep home the winner for the
Dutch in their opening Group D match against Poland in Hamburg
last Sunday, reprising his stunning entry at the World Cup in
Qatar 18 months ago when he scored twice in the last 10 minutes
against Argentina to force their quarter-final into extra time
and eventually a penalty shootout.
    But the 31-year-old believes he has more to contribute to
the Dutch side even if coach Ronald Koeman told him before the
tournament in Germany that he would be used an impact player off
the bench.
    “A starting berth is what you ultimately want,” Weghorst
told a press conference. 
    "That is my goal. I believe strongly that I can be important
for this Dutch team. I have qualities to make this team better.”
    After a tepid showing from the attack in their second game
against France in Leipzig on Friday, Weghorst might well get a
chance against Austria in Berlin on Tuesday.
    "We beat them at the previous European Championship (in
Amsterdam) and took the three points, but they have certainly
improved since then,” he said of their upcoming opponents, who
are one point behind the Netherlands in the group standings.
    Once Euro 2024 is done, Weghorst has been linked with a
possible move back to the Netherlands with Ajax Amsterdam after
spending last season on loan from Burnley to Bundesliga outfit
Hoffenheim.
    Asked whether he was busy negotiating his club future, he
said: “That plays in the background. But two months before this
tournament, I mapped out a path that would ensure that I would
be in top shape during these weeks and my focus is on that. 
    “It would be very stupid if I were suddenly busy with all
kinds of other things. It's about the European Championship for
now ... but something good will certainly come afterwards.”

 (Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
 ((mark.gleeson@thomsonreuters.com; +27828257807; Reuters
Messaging: mark.gleeson.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))