Overview
- On Saturday, Crysencio Summerville scored his first international goal in the Netherlands’ 2-2 World Cup opener with Japan, converting a run and finish widely compared to Arjen Robben.
- Coach Ronald Koeman started Summerville on the right flank for that match, a tactical move that showed trust in his one-on-one and inward-running style.
- Dutch media gave Summerville high marks after the game and he said the finish fulfilled a childhood dream of copying Robben’s move from watching videos on YouTube.
- Reports say Summerville has been doing extra finishing drills with assistant coach Ruud van Nistelrooy and that top clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked to him for a reported fee near €60 million, though those transfer figures remain unconfirmed.
- In the next group match in Houston, Koeman opted for a different starter in attack but Summerville came on in the second half, helped set up goals and scored again while being treated for a knock at the final whistle.