ZCZC
BSP-02
FBL-FRIENDLY-USA-AJAX
Dest mulling international future amid US-Dutch tug-of-war
LOS ANGELES, Sept 5, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Ajax teenager Sergino Dest said Wednesday he has yet to decide on his international future as he prepares to make his senior debut for the United States this week.
The 18-year-old fullback, the son of an American father and Dutch mother, has been called up to the United States squad for friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay.
However, talking to reporters on Wednesday, Dest revealed he had been approached by officials from the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) about a possible international career for the Netherlands.
Dest, who played for the United States at this year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup, is still free to choose his international future as he has yet to play in a competitive senior fixture.
“I’m happy for this opportunity and I’m happy that I’m here right now,” Dest said at a US team media availability. “But I don’t know for the future. You guys will see what happens.”
Dest, who made his senior debut for Ajax last month, would not be drawn on whether he would be ready to commit to the United States by the time of the CONCACAF Nations League game against Cuba on October 11.
Once Dest plays a competitive game, his international allegiance will be set.
“I don’t know yet,” Dest said. “I can’t make that decision.”
The teenager meanwhile added that Dutch officials had approached him about playing for the nation’s under-23 side.
“Yes, they said something to me. It was not like the first team yet. It was the under-23s. They want to have a meeting with me. I’m keeping the options open,” he said.
Dest was drafted into the US squad after impressing at the Under-20 World Cup and in Ajax’s opening games of the Eredivisie.
“Sergino is a guy we’ve been tracking, watching his progress with Ajax in making his way up to the first team,” US coach Gregg Berhalter told reporters.
“We’re excited by him and that he can play in both fullback positions. He’s got an excellent offensive skillset and he fits into the profile of player that we’re looking for our full-backs.
“He can come inside or stay wide. I’m really intrigued with how he plays at Ajax. It’s really interesting watching him play.”
Dest is expected to feature in one or both of the United States friendlies against Mexico on Friday and Uruguay on September 10.
BSS/AFP/AU/08:20 hrs