According to the Voetbal Suriname Twitter account, Derby County winger Florian Jozefzoon is one of seven new players who will represent the Surinamese national team.
Suriname recently completed their Concacaf Nations League campaign. They topped their group containing St Vincent, Dominica and the much-fancied Nicaragua.
It means the minnows who border Brazil will now qualify for the 2021 Gold Cup. It is the first time since 1985, and they could end up facing the US or holders Mexico.
(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images).
Following their unlikely qualification, Suriname have gone about bulking up their squad.
The county is rich in Dutch history. In 1954, it became one of the constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands before gaining independence in 1975.
Dutch remains the official language in government, business, education and media.
And as such, they have invited Dutch players with Suriname roots to represent the national team going forward without having to surrender their Dutch passport.
Galatasaray’s Ryan Donk, PAOK’s Diego Biseswar and Derby County’s Florian Jozefzoon are the standout players – the latter having played for Holland U21s.
De volgende profs die Suriname komen versterken zijn: Kelvin Leerdam (Seattle Sounders), Ryan Donk (Galatasaray), Tjaronn Chery (Maccabi Haifa), Florian Jozefzoon (Derby County), Diego Biseswar (PAOK Saloniki), Mitchell Donald (Evkur Yeni Malatyaspor) en Miquel Nelom (Willem II). pic.twitter.com/gPCGnhrMFo
— Voetbal Suriname (@NatioSuriname) November 22, 2019
Florian Jozefzoon struggles to get going at Derby County:
Jozefzoon’s Derby career hasn’t gone the way he would have expected. He was signed by former manager Frank Lampard in the summer of 2018 for a reported £2.75 million fee.
But the former PSV man made just 13 Championship starts last season, scoring twice. Under new boss Phillip Cocu, he has started six of Derby’s 16 league games so far.
Jozefzoon has natural talent. He is quick, tricky on the ball and direct. However, he just can’t seem to get going with the Rams and is in danger of becoming a forgotten man.
(Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images).
A new chance at international level could help reignite him. Suriname’s spot at the Gold Cup is guaranteed, and with luck they could even make an appearance in Qatar in 2022.
Also see: Cocu says Derby academy talent is showing unbelievable levels after tough start
Also see: Reported Derby target could join Championship rivals in January after failed summer move