Luciano Valente has become the subject of heated debate in Dutch football after being overlooked for the Netherlands national team during the latest international window. ESPN analyst Mario Been voiced his frustration with the omission, arguing that the Feyenoord midfielder deserved selection ahead of Lazio's Kenneth Taylor, casting doubt on the decision-making of manager Xavi.
A Breakthrough Season at Feyenoord
The 23-year-old playmaker has engineered a remarkable turnaround since moving into an advanced left-winger role this season. Valente has already netted four Eredivisie goals with an assist, a tally that mirrors his entire output across 84 appearances for FC Groningen combined. "He is feeling good, this is a player of real quality and I think he could have been in the Netherlands squad," Been argued on air, highlighting the midfielder's newfound clinical finishing.
What sets Valente apart is his creative range from deep positions. Been pointed to a sequence from Feyenoord's demolition of PEC Zwolle—a 7-0 away victory—where Valente threaded a precision through ball from his own half into dangerous attacking territory. "He has an eye for players making runs in behind," Been noted. This dual threat of scoring and playmaking has transformed Feyenoord's midfield balance entirely.
The Case Against Kenneth Taylor's Selection
Been and presenter Jan Joost van Gangelen both questioned why Taylor received a call-up over Valente. "Just to name one. I think he actually had more right to it," Been stated bluntly, suggesting the selection criteria favored established reputation over current form. In Feyenoord's structure, Valente operates in a free role alongside holding midfielders, with his positioning creating constant penetration into the box—appearing in dangerous areas at least five times per match.
The transformation underscores how Valente's weaknesses have been systematized away. Previously criticized for limited end-product, he has flourished in a system where movement and positioning—rather than constant pressing—define his responsibilities. With Feyenoord now performing at elite levels across all positions, Valente's continued omission from international consideration grows harder to defend as the season progresses.
