Arnaut Danjuma : Chances to Star for Super Eagles Narrowed

Though, he had starred for Netherlands at the age-grade level, he is still eligible to play for Nigeria-his country of birth, his mother being Nigerian. The Nigeria Football Federation eggheads had been hoping to exploit these holes to extend an invitation to Arnaut Danjuma considering his form in recent times. That ambition may have however hit a brickwall after Oranje Manager, Loius van Gaal, expressed his admiration for the Lagos-born player and promised to invite him for Netherlands subsequent matches

New Villarreal star, Arnaut Danjuma has started the season well but Nigeria is set to miss out on his talents if recent comments of Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal is anything to go by.
The former Barcelona Manager has hinted that he would invite the Villarreal winger to the Oranje squad for next month’s international break.

Netherlands head coach has explained why he left in-form Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma out of his squad.
The winger has been in excellent form since joining Villarreal from Bournemouth this summer and has netted five times for his new club. However, Van Gaal did not include Danjuma in his Oranje squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Gibraltar.

Speaking at his press conference on Monday, Van Gaal said of Danjuma, “He has changed clubs. He did that quite late and he didn’t play in the first phase either. He generally fell in. He’s been doing great in the last four games and can be there, but I haven’t decided on that. I don’t need you for that, to see that he’s doing well.”

Van Gaal continued, “Do you think the KNVB has no scouts? I have to tell you honestly that we cleaned up the list two weeks ago. It contained 100 players and that seems a bit too much to me. But indeed, Danjuma is there.”

The Oranje boss expects Danjuma to be in his squad next time if he continues this level, “We are watching everything and I am really happy that he is doing so well. Two goals again and decisive at the highest level. I can’t imagine he won’t be there next time. He can also go into a dip, that’s also possible,” Van Gaal said.

Although he has two appearances for the Dutch national team, with one goal to his name, it was in a Nations League and friendly encounter.

And with the player making both appearances at 21, Danjuma is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles according to FIFA rules.
However, following Van Gaal’s latest comments, it appears the three-time African champions will miss out on the 24-year-old.

When Villarreal spent 20 million euros, plus 2m to 3m euros in variables, to sign Danjuma from Bournemouth, not many expected the 24-year-old winger to make an immediate impact at the Yellow Submarine.

Villarreal’s second most expensive signing of all time, only after Paco Alcacer, has stood out so far this season, as he has already netted four goals in LaLiga Santander and another one in the Champions League.

Unai Emery was the one to push for Danjuma’s transfer back in summer and his player has paid back his coach’s confidence by scoring a brace against Real Betis.
A few days before the game against the Andalusian side, he produced a man-of-the-match display in their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Old Trafford.

People who know him better say that Danjuma, a practicing Muslim, is a quiet person away from the pitch. His snake gesture celebration, one which started as a joke with a friend a long time ago, has already become popular, with his teammates having already handed him the nickname of ‘Danjumagic’.

Meanwhile, Danjuma has credited Emery for his awe-inspiring form at La Liga outfit Villarreal.
After two seasons at Championship side Bournemouth, the 24-year-old joined the reigning Europa League kings on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

With that move, the Nigerian prospect will remain at Estadio de la Ceramica until 2026.
Since joining the Spanish top-flight side, Danjuma has proven his efficiency in front of goal – netting five times in all competitions in the 2021-22 campaign.

In his last outing, he got a brace as he has pointed at the former Arsenal boss’ impact for his impressive run so far.
“I feel very good here. I need to give a massive thanks to Unai Emery,” he told the club website. “The coach is really busy with me and he really helps me to perform with the team.

“I’ve integrated well with the culture of the team, and my teammates trust me.”
Danjuma also voiced his ‘hunger’ to ensure that Villarreal win silverware.
“My stats have been good so far. I’m looking forward to performing more for the team. I’m very hungry, for me, this is only the beginning,” he continued.

After the international window, the winger would be hoping to continue with his fine run when the Submarine welcome Osasuna to the Estadio de la Ceramica.
For manager Emery, his aim is to see Danjuma form a solid partnership with Spanish star Yeremi Pino.
“Playing well helps you win, and winning gives you confidence,” he said.

The winger has gone from the Championship to the Champions League in the space of just a few months. And in the not-too-distant future he could well be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool scouts were reportedly tasked to attend Manchester United’s clash with Villarreal as they look into the possibility of life after Sadio Mane. Danjuma hit 15 goals for Bournemouth last season. But how many top flight teams from abroad usually take a punt on someone who is unproven at the top level?
His old boss Jonathan Woodgate said of Danjuma: “I see him as doing what he wants to do in the game.
“He can go as high as he wants to, but he’s got to always want more, always try to be that best.”
A £21million to Spain followed this summer but the speed at which Danjuma has adapted to his new surroundings has perhaps caught many off-guard.
In five games he has already grabbed two goals.