Janmaat slams Driessen’s bench remark on De Jong as laughable

Daryl Janmaat, a 34‑time Netherlands international, dismissed Valentijn Driessen’s suggestion that Frenkie de Jong should be benched as “laughable” in the Dutch national team setup during today’s Studio Oranje podcast recorded at 23:30. Janmaat added he expects the Barcelona midfielder to take more risks.

Janmaat, a retired defender, began his response with the Dutch remark, “Dat Driessen dat zegt, is lachwekkend,” signalling his disbelief. His statement underscored a clear disagreement with the journalist’s view.

The journalist had said it would be a good signal if the midfielder sat on the bench for Oranje. That comment formed the basis of Driessen’s controversial suggestion.

Janmaat said he expects more from De Jong. He wants the player to move further forward and to take more risks on the pitch.

The full discussion is available on Spotify. The episode forms part of the Studio Oranje podcast series.

The show also covers the World Cup, Janmaat’s career, a debate between Louis van Gaal and Ronald Koeman, and features Brian Brobbey and Denzel Dumfries. It promises many more football insights.