Dutch football figures back Malen ahead of Japan match despite recent errors
Opinion·14 June 2026·22d ago

Dutch football figures back Malen ahead of Japan match despite recent errors

Source: Forza Roma

Donyell Malen is set to play for the Netherlands against Japan in a key international fixture, with Dutch football figures and supporters expressing confidence in the AS Roma forward despite some poor finishing in recent friendlies. The match comes at a time when the Netherlands is debating who should lead the attack, with Malen facing competition for the starting role.

Malen has enjoyed an impressive run of form over recent months with Roma, but made some costly mistakes in his last two warm-up games. Nevertheless, the majority of Dutch opinion remains firmly in his corner. Ibrahim Afellay, a former Netherlands international now serving as PSV vice-coach and pundit, publicly backed the Roma forward, stating: "For me there is nothing to discuss. I would play him in attack. Depay has certainly shown he deserves that spot, that is clear. But he is not yet in form. Should we perhaps bench someone like Malen, who is at the height of his form and who has played brilliantly with Roma for six months, simply because he missed chances in two matches? I also believe you must give him opportunities and long-term confidence. He is the future of the Netherlands."

Dutch supporters interviewed by DAZN echoed this backing, with comments including: "He will score today, he will be the top scorer!", "I really like him, he will be decisive!", and "So far he hasn't had the chance to show everything he is worth, I hope he manages it in this tournament."

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Testo Originale / Source Text

I tifosi oranje si fidano dell'attaccante della Roma nonostante gli errori in amichevole e l'ex nazionale si espone: "È il futuro dell'Olanda!" Redazione 14 giugno - 14:28 Wesley, relax al mare dopo la delusione Mondiale: giornata in barca a Ponza È oggi il giorno di Donyell Malen, in campo nella…

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