Coach Koeman explains Donyell Malen's missed opportunities: 'At the club, he plays differently'

Donyell Malen played in the friendly match against Algeria last Wednesday, taking on the striker position. The AS Roma star had several chances at De Kuip, but couldn't score. Coach Ronald Koeman explained: 'At the club, he plays differently.'

Malen expressed after the defeat to Algeria that he did not feel much affected by the debate about the striker position. 'He has confidence,' Koeman said in a press conference about the form of the 27-year-old striker, who is competing with Memphis Depay. 'I have never had the feeling that Donyell is under more pressure than he is at his club.'

'I think it was very accidental that he missed, I don't know that,' Koeman tried to explain. He also said that the fans' voices did not escape his eyes. 'Everyone says he has to play as a striker. Then he also wants to perform better.'

Malen shined after the winter break at AS Roma, scoring 14 goals in 16 matches in Serie A, but in the friendly match against Algeria, he failed to show his strength. 'At the club he also plays differently, where he is really someone who can rest up front and wait for the moments. He did very well. Today, he just couldn't score.'

The Dutch team will have their next friendly match on Monday against Uzbekistan. After this match, Koeman will have to make a decision. Next Sunday, the Netherlands will open the World Cup with a match against Japan.