Million Manhoef Shines with Netherlands U21 in International Break

Million Manhoef, the talented 22-year-old Dutch midfielder, is enjoying a standout season with Stoke City, and his excellent form has earned him a spot in the Netherlands U21 squad. During the recent international break, he played a crucial role in a friendly against England U21. The match was intense, with the Netherlands dominating possession and creating several opportunities, but they ended up drawing 1-1.

READ MORE: Stoke City Players Shine Despite Tough International Duty

An Impactful Display in the 1-1 Draw

Although the match ended in a draw, Million Manhoef’s contribution was undeniable. Netherlands controlled the game with 63% possession and had 22 shots compared to England’s 5. However, England struck first in the 5th minute, leading 1-0 for much of the match. It wasn’t until the 82nd minute that Netherlands equalized, with Manhoef providing the key assist for Tom Van Bergen, who scored the equalizer.

Throughout the match, Manhoef showed his technical quality, completing 26 out of 30 passes for an 87% accuracy rate. He also had 58 touches and created a clear chance, which Van Bergen converted into a goal. His dribbling was sharp, completing 4 out of 6 dribbles, and he won 6 out of 11 duels. While he didn’t score, Manhoef’s influence on the game was crucial, and his performance will be a positive sign for Stoke City as he continues to develop.

Manhoef's role in the Netherlands U21 squad highlights his potential to become a future star. His vision and ability to dictate the tempo of the game are remarkable for a player of his age. The 1-1 draw against England U21 showcased not just his technical ability, but his leadership on the field.

His ability to track back and contribute defensively, combined with his offensive threat, marks him as a complete player. As he continues to evolve, both Stoke City and the Netherlands U21 can expect even more from him, especially with the young midfielder’s growing confidence and understanding of the game. This international experience is invaluable for his development, and the sky seems to be the limit for Million Manhoef as he pushes for more regular minutes with Stoke City in the EFL Championship.