Ro-Zangelo Daal has become one of the standout performers in the Eredivisie this season, catching the attention of leading Dutch football analysts who believe the AZ Alkmaar winger is destined for the international stage. At just 22 years old, the Academy graduate has transformed from promising talent into a consistent, clinical finisher—a development that has impressed veteran journalist Valentijn Driessen and his peers at De Telegraaf.
AZ's Perfect Start Sets the Stage
Alkmaar's explosive campaign has provided the perfect platform for Daal's emergence. The club demolished PSV 4-0 in the Johan Cruyff Shield opener in August, then maintained an unbeaten run of five wins from five in the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie. This consistency, particularly in challenging away fixtures at Utrecht and Heerenveen, underscores that AZ's success is built on genuine quality rather than fortunate fixtures.
Daal's contribution has been tangible and measurable. Through six matches, the left winger has delivered five goals and one assist—statistics that reveal far more than flashy dribbling or defensive recovery. Driessen emphasizes this clinical edge: "He actually did that far too little before. Now you know what is coming, and he still scores. That is very special. Those are the players with extra class." The shift from promising academy talent to reliable goal contributor represents a crucial evolution for any winger hoping to compete at international level.
The Netherlands Opportunity
Driessen has openly suggested that Xavi Simons's teammate deserves consideration for Netherlands national team selection, drawing an intriguing comparison with Ruben van Bommel of PSV. While Van Bommel has dominated headlines this season, Driessen argues Daal's output may already exceed his rival's—a bold claim backed by his production rate in the top flight. "If he keeps showing himself like this, then certainly" he will feature on the national team radar, Driessen concluded.
Last season hinted at Daal's potential, but consistency remained elusive. This campaign has erased doubt. With five games remaining before the international break, the winger's next performances will likely determine whether he forces his way into Xavi's thinking for upcoming fixtures and beyond.
