Mark van Bommel Hails Son Ruben’s Netherlands Call-Up After Injury Return
Mark van Bommel’s first Belgium squad announcement coincided with a significant moment for his family, with son Ruben receiving his first senior Netherlands call-up after returning from a season-ending knee injury.
The 49-year-old named his initial Red Devils selection on Friday ahead of his first match in charge against Italy. At the same time, Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez included PSV forward Ruben van Bommel in a 26-man group for the forthcoming Nations League schedule.
International milestones for father and son
- Mark van Bommel began his Belgium tenure by selecting his first squad for the Nations League campaign.
- Ruben van Bommel, 22, was handed a maiden Oranje call-up alongside fellow newcomer Gjivai Zechiel.
- The PSV attacker is due to report to the Netherlands training base in Zeist on Monday afternoon, September 21.
- Netherlands begin a run of four Nations League fixtures with Germany in Amsterdam, while Mark van Bommel prepares to take his place on the Belgium bench against Italy.
Ruben’s recovery earns recognition
Ruben van Bommel missed the whole previous campaign after sustaining a serious cruciate ligament injury in September. His form for PSV since returning has now brought him into the senior national-team set-up.
His father, who represented the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final during Bert van Marwijk’s spell as head coach, said the call-up carried particular meaning given the forward’s rehabilitation.
“I am very proud. I played for the Dutch national team myself,” Van Bommel said. “He has had a very difficult year behind him with a cruciate ligament injury. To return in that way is impressive.”
Belgium coach addresses Ajax incident
Van Bommel was also asked about the scrutiny surrounding Ruben’s tackle on Ajax player Aaron Bouwman. The Belgium coach accepted that his son should have been dismissed for the challenge, but said the episode should be assessed as an on-field incident rather than through wider criticism.
“He is developing well,” Van Bommel said. “There was something after that match. He deserved a red card for that error against Ajax, but other matters should not be brought into it. You must judge the situations as they happen on the pitch.”
The pair will now enter Nations League League A in new roles: Mark van Bommel as Belgium head coach and Ruben seeking his first appearance for the Netherlands.
