Netherlands manager Dick Advocaat has handed Timothy Fosu-Mensah his first ever place in the national side for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against France and Bulgaria.
The youngster made his senior debut for Manchester United during a 3-2 win over Arsenal back in February 2016 and went on to impress under Louis van Gaal against the likes of West Ham United and Watford. He kept his place in the senior squad under Jose Mourinho but only made four starts during the 2017/18 campaign.
He joined up with newly appointed Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer – who was Ajax manager at the time of his departure to Old Trafford – earlier this month on a season long loan and has impressed with a series of powerful, assured displays on the right hand side of a back three, despite the South London side dramatically struggling for form in the Premier League after three games.
And the 19-year-old, in turn, has been rewarded for his bold start to life at Palace with a place in the Netherlands squad after Lyon right back Kenny Tete was ruled out with a knee problem. He has been coveted by Ghana, with whom he is also legible to play for, but any doubts over his international preference – he has played for the Netherlands at youth level – would be eradicated if he receives a chance to play against France and close friend Paul Pogba on Thursday.
