Netherlands head coach Danny Blind admits that he is worried about the international future of the Dutch players in the Newcastle United squad should the club be relegated from the Premier League this season.
The Magpies are currently 19th in the league table, and despite the recent arrival of Rafael Benitez, there are fears the Spaniard may not help the club avoid dropping into the Championship.
Newcastle have a healthy sprinkling of Dutch internationals in their squad, and Tim Krul, Daryl Janmaat, Vurnon Anita, Siem de Jong and Georginio Wijnaldum are all important members of the team.
And Blind is worried that Newcastle’s potential relegation this season could have an adverse effect on their international careers with the Netherlands going forward.
While the Dutch national team head coach admits that playing in the second tier should not be a huge factor, he feels playing in the Premier League is always advantageous for any player aspiring to represent the Netherlands.
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Blind told Dutch daily De Telegraaf: “[It is] worrisome for me, especially for the guys who are playing at Newcastle United.
“The level is not always the determining factor, it also depends on the individual.
"But it is an advantage if they play in the Premier League, as eventually it counts.”
The Netherlands will play France in a friendly at home later tonight, before taking on England at Wembley on Tuesday evening.
