Jerayno Schaken, the 17-year-old Feyenoord winger, has received his first call-up to the Netherlands under-21 side, Jong Oranje, for this month’s European Championship play-off against Denmark, fr-fans.nl reported on Friday. The selection, made by national coach Michael Reiziger, comes after Schaken scored on his Eredivisie debut this season.
Why has Jerayno Schaken been called up to Jong Oranje?
Schaken, a 17-year-old winger who plays for Feyenoord, was selected for Jong Oranje for the first time, fr-fans.nl reported. The call-up follows a rapid rise: he made his Eredivisie debut this season and scored in his first appearance, and he has since also played minutes in the Champions League, according to 1908.nl. Feyenoord coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst described the selection as recognition of that development, saying it is “a compliment for him, for us as a club, but first and foremost for himself,” fr-fans.nl reported.
Jerayno Schaken bij Jong Oranje! Heel vet! Nu hopen dat we hem ook meer gaan zien in Feyenoord 1!#Feyenoord https://t.co/J9t80eHLIL
How did Giovanni van Bronckhorst break the news to Schaken?
Van Bronckhorst told Schaken personally during a press conference ahead of the match against sc Heerenveen, which was broadcast on Feyenoord ONE, fr-fans.nl reported. Schaken had received a message from Reiziger indicating he would be included but believed he was moving up only one level: “I thought he was at Under 19, but I said: no, one higher still. It is Jong Oranje,” Van Bronckhorst said. Schaken had not yet received an official invitation, so he was “surprised, but of course also happy,” the Feyenoord coach added.
When and where does Jong Oranje play Denmark?
The two-legged play-off takes place in mid-November. OnsOranje reported that the first match is on Friday 13 November at the Vejle Stadion in Denmark, with an 18:30 kickoff, and that the return follows in Almere at the Yanmar Hanasaka Stadion on Tuesday 17 November, also at 18:30. 1908.nl confirmed the 13 and 17 November dates for the return in Almere.
Michael Reiziger selecteert pas 17-jarige Feyenoorder Jerayno Schaken voor beslissende play-off Jong Oranje https://t.co/L5HLhOUoQh
What is at stake in the play-off against Denmark?
The winner of the two-legged tie qualifies for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which will be co-hosted by Albania and Serbia, OnsOranje reported. Eight countries — the Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Czechia and Turkey — are competing in four play-off ties for the last four places at the final tournament.
Which other players were named in the Jong Oranje squad?
OnsOranje reported that Aaron Bouwman of Ajax and Schaken are the two debutants in Reiziger’s squad. The list also includes Feyenoord teammate Givairo Read, the 20-year-old right-back who captains the under-21 side, and Devin Haen of Willem II, whom Omroep Brabant noted has been selected again after earlier proving his value for the team. Jaden Slory, who plays on loan at Willem II, was not selected, 1908.nl reported.
What fans are asking about Schaken’s call-up
How old is Jerayno Schaken? He is 17, according to 1908.nl and fr-fans.nl, making his Jong Oranje selection notable at his age.
Which club does he play for? Schaken plays for Feyenoord, where he debuted in the Eredivisie this season and scored in his first league appearance, 1908.nl reported.
Jerayno joining Jong Oranje for the first time. 👏 pic.twitter.com/SX9ZmTYrN4
Who else from Feyenoord is involved? Teammate Givairo Read is in the Jong Oranje squad as captain, while several other Feyenoord players were called up for the Under-19 and Under-18 teams, 1908.nl reported.
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