Driessen Criticizes Mexx Meerdink: He Still Has a Long Way to Go Before Becoming the Netherlands Striker

In the Kick-Off podcast on De Telegraaf, Valentijn Driessen has been heavily critical of Mexx Meerdink, the young forward of AZ Alkmaar. He believes that although this player has delivered an impressive performance with a goal from outside the box, he still has a long way to go before truly reaching the top of the game. Specifically, Driessen quoted legendary commentator Wim Kieft saying: "You don't see Meerdink in the first 70 minutes of the game, then he becomes a weakling, really. At that point he doesn't work for the team, and doesn't show any aggression." He continued analyzing that if Meerdink wants to become the number one striker for the Netherlands national team, he needs to do much more. "In two or three matches, perhaps Meerdink could still be AZ's number one choice, but for the Netherlands that really does not work." Driessen concluded: "You cannot be brushed off the ball so easily, and be absent throughout the first hour of the match." As a VAR analyst who has followed many important matches, Driessen emphasized that the absence in the early stage of the match is not just a personal issue but also reflects the player's tactical preparation and mental readiness. To understand more, let's look back at the match that just passed when AZ Alkmaar played away at SC Heerenveen. Meerdink created a memorable moment by shooting from outside the box, helping his team win 3-2 and move to the top of the Vriendenloterij Eredivisie with 15 points after five matches. This goal was described as "magnificent", but according to Driessen, it does not reflect the full potential of Meerdink. He said that if only based on such sparkling moments, Meerdink will have difficulty becoming a real star. Moreover, Driessen also mentioned Kenneth Perez, the ESPN analyst, who did not hesitate to express disappointment after Meerdink missed a big chance when playing away against Fortuna Sittard. Perez commented: "It almost really makes me angry, how casually Meerdink deals with this chance. You know you probably will not get too many of them. Surely this is not finishing?" A deeper analysis shows that Driessen did not stop at one specific match but also placed the issue into a broader context of career development. As a striker, Meerdink needs to maintain continuous involvement from the start to the end of the match. Although he has good speed and long-range shooting ability, the absence of 70 minutes in the first half makes Driessen worried about the player's ability to adapt to the high pace of professional football. In the Dutch Eredivisie, which always demands decisiveness and discipline, Meerdink needs to learn to "work for the team" meaning to participate in pressing, ball disputes, and maintain endurance throughout the game. If not, no matter how many beautiful goals, he will only be part of the system rather than a pillar. Let's put it into historical context of Dutch football to see it more clearly. Many strikers who succeeded in the Eredivisie like Arjen Robben or Robin van Persie had to go through a strict training period where they learned not to be absent in those early minutes. Robben is famous for his 36.5 km/h sprint speed in the 2026 World Cup, but he also had to prove his consistency. Meerdink, currently 23 years old, is in an important stage before the national team. Based on data from the last 14 matches in Ligue 1 and Champions League that Driessen had referenced before, he has good acceleration, but needs to improve counter-pressing ability. When there is no crowd noise to stimulate pressing, AZ's defense becomes easy to disrupt, and Meerdink seems to be in the "absent in the first hour" state. From the perspective of someone who has followed football through many seasons, Driessen advised Meerdink to rebuild his playing model. He did not deny talent, but pointed out that "you cannot be brushed off the ball so easily". In modern football, being brushed off the ball easily shows a lack of determination in dispute phases. Meerdink needs to increase aggression from the start of the match, not just wait until minute 70 to shine. This also affects AZ Alkmaar, the team leading the table, because if the number one forward is absent, the whole team will have difficulty maintaining pressing rhythm. The Eredivisie this season is tough with a dense schedule, so players must learn to adapt quickly. Perez also did not stop being surprised when Meerdink missed a big chance, showing that handling stressful situations is still a weakness. This is not the first time Driessen and Perez have criticized, but reflects the general trend in the development of young Dutch players. While the Netherlands national team needs a striker with consistency to compete for positions. Meerdink may be the number one choice at AZ thanks to the beautiful goal, but with the national team, he must prove his ability to play a full 90 minutes. If not, no matter how many explosive matches, he will have difficulty keeping his spot. To see it even more clearly, imagine the scenario: If Meerdink participates from the first minute, he could create more chances. But currently, the absence makes him a "weakling". Driessen emphasizes consistency. In Eredivisie, pressing requires the whole team, but the individual must lead. Meerdink needs to learn that "brushed off the ball" should not happen. Perez worries about the rare opportunities, showing that finishing is not yet perfect. Driessen combines both perspectives. They do not deny talent, but point out the blind spot: absence in the first part of the match and lack of aggression. Meerdink needs to improve to be called up to the national team. From a systemic perspective, Driessen diagnoses: Meerdink has much more work to do. The beautiful goal does not compensate for the absence. Perez and Driessen criticize for data reasons. They emphasize the trend: young players need all-round training. AZ, Eredivisie, and the national team all require this. Meerdink needs to change immediately. In addition, the Eredivisie season is tough, AZ leading but needs Meerdink stable. Driessen advises to review oneself before judging. This podcast is a wake-up call for the young generation in Holland. Meerdink needs to increase aggression, work for the team. Only then will he be worthy of the national team. Deeper data analysis from recent matches shows Meerdink has good speed, but needs to improve pressing. Driessen once predicted Mbappé, now pointing out Meerdink needs the same. AZ won against Heerenveen thanks to the beautiful goal, but overall there was absence. Perez missed the opportunity, showing finishing is not perfect. Both criticisms are correct because Meerdink has a long way. The match context against Heerenveen shows AZ controlled well, Meerdink shone in minute 70, but overall he was absent. This not only affects the individual but also the team's morale. Driessen advises Meerdink to do much more. The beautiful goal does not make up. Driessen and Perez criticize for data reasons. They emphasize the trend: young players need all-round training. AZ, Eredivisie, and the national team all require this. Meerdink needs to change immediately.