De Haan cautious about young Dutch stars
Babel and Drenthe helped Holland retain their under-21 crown
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Sunday, 24, Jun 2007 10:39
Holland's under-21 coach Foppe de Haan says the star players in his side that retained the European under-21 title yesterday could be too young for the Premiership.
A number of the Dutch players have attracted the attention of Europe's top scouts after their performances in the tournament but de Haan thinks not all of them are ready to play at the highest level.
Two of the hottest prospects in the Netherlands team are Ajax forward Ryan Babel and Feyenoord utility man Roysten Drenthe.
Babel was on the scoresheet as Holland beat Serbia 4-1 in the final of the tournament while Drenthe was instrumental in their second half comeback against England in the semi-final.
De Haan said: "They are good enough, but they are very young.
"Babel was playing very good today, Drenthe was not so good today, but in the days before he was very good."
Babel has been linked with a potential move to Arsenal. The possibility of a transfer to the Emirates Stadium will have increased after the departure of Thierry Henry to Barcelona.
Of the two de Haan thinks Babel is the one who could make a move to a big club sooner rather than later.
He said: "For Drenthe it is too early I think, but Babel? Maybe."
Babel is keen on a move to the Premiership having spent four years with Ajax.
The 20-year-old said: "One day I hope [to come to England], I hope [soon], maybe [this summer], you never know."
Babel scored seven times in 34 appearances for Ajax last season.