By Will Jones
The Manchester United striker says the three-time World Cup winners’ investment after staging the 2006 World Cup has seen them catch up with Netherlands in quality
Netherlands centre-forward Robin van Persie believes that Germany have caught up with his national team in terms of youth investment investing and development.
The former Feyenoord and Arsenal attacker believes Joachim Low’s side have seen their infrastructure and training boosted since World Cup 2006, but insists there is still an opportunity for Oranje to surpas their European neighbours in terms of producing quality youngsters.
“It begins, of course, in the development of the youth,” the 29-year-old told onsoranje.nl.
“In Netherlands we are good at appointing good coaches and training. But a country like Germany has caught up.
“They have the financial gains of the 2006 World Cup. I believe almost a billion Euros has been invested in youth. In coaches, accommodation… everything. I can see [a great] young generation of top players [in Germany].
“In Netherlands we can take such a step. There are many good players to come.”
Germany have produced a generation of stars such as Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller and Sami Khedira, but Van Persie is convinced there are exciting prospects for his country too.
Jonathan de Guzman faced his Dutch compatriot with Swansea City earlier in the Premier League season and the Manchester United striker was impressed with what he saw.
He added: “De Guzman is doing very well in the English league. He has a good skill-set, and his free kicks and corners are great.”
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