Pascal Struijk’s agent provides update on Leeds defender’s international future

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Pascal Struijk’s agent Tim Vrouwe has told De Telegraaf that the Leeds United defender has been flattered by the interest from the Netherlands’s under-21 side, but insisted that he is yet to make a decision about his international future.

Struijk appears to be at the centre of a tug of war between the Netherlands and Belgium after an inspired 12 months at Elland Road.

The 21-year-old was born in the latter country. But the former Ajax prospect also made a handful of appearances for the Oranje at under-17 level earlier in his career.

De Telegraaf reports that Roberto Martinez is monitoring his situation for the Belgian national team. And they also suggest that Erwin van de Looi wants him in his Dutch squad for the under-21 European Championships this summer.

And Vrouwe admitted that the defender is yet to make a definitive decision on his future, but hinted that it may come soon.

“Pascal needs more time to make a good choice,” he told De Telegraaf. “This is not easy for various reasons. He is absolutely flattered by the invitation of the Jong Oranje. But if he takes action for this, he can no longer come out for Belgium. The top team of one of these superpowers is the main goal for Pascal. ”

“The moment we have completed the Belgian passport procedure, he can assess the sporting plan of both unions. And only then can he really make a final choice.”

TBR View: International dilemma provides further reminder of prospect Leeds have in their ranks

Turn back the clock one year and this situation would have seemed unimaginable. Struijk had made a handful of appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. But he seemed to be struggling to break out of the under-23 ranks at Thorp Arch and into the first-team.

However, he made the most of his chance at the end of last season. And he has since gone on to become an important member of Bielsa’s squad.

He faces a tough challenge getting in the team when the Leeds boss has a fully fit group. But the dilemma of choosing between two incredible international paths just highlights what a talent the Whites have on their hands.