As he overcomes the challenges of Stoke City and the Euros, Million Manhoef offers hope for the future.
Million Manhoef is ready to lead the Netherlands to the semi-finals of the under-21 European Championships, and he feels he is coming out of a difficult first 18 months at Stoke City a better and more complete player.
After joining Stoke from Vitesse Arnhem in January 2024, the 23-year-old winger has overcome his first major injury and been involved in two bouts at the bottom of the Championship under three different managers.
However, he is committed to learning from every experience, even the pressing one of assisting the Netherlands under-21 team in defeating Portugal on Saturday, June 21, in order to advance to the last four of the Euros in Slovakia.
Manhoef was substituted during a 2-0 loss to Denmark, but he has already started two of their group games: a tie with Finland and a triumph over Ukraine on Wednesday.
With just four points, the Netherlands advanced from group D as the Danes’ runners-up, securing a matchup with Portugal in the round of eight at the Žilina stadium.
“We have a good team with a lot of quality, but in the first two matches we made it hard for ourselves,” Manhoef said, acknowledging that the Dutch had been too careless in their previous group games. A victory over the Ukrainians was crucial if the Dutch were to remain in the competition. Since it was all or nothing against Ukraine, we knew we had to get started and remain focused for the full ninety minutes.
He feels he has benefited from the lesson, which he has also been learning during a challenging season for Stoke. He told StokeonTrentLive, “I definitely think the experience makes me a better player.”
Because of how intense it is, I’ve gotten in better shape. I was known for my speed in Holland, but in the Championship, everyone is powerful and quick, so you have to work harder with the ball and your location. Though I believe I still haven’t reached my full ability, I am unquestionably a better player.
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It was difficult at Vitesse as well. We were doing great when I arrived. We competed against elite teams in the Conference League and performed admirably. Then it’s a little **** the next year with all the financial issues. You must develop your strength, maintain your focus, and pursue your own goals.
Since there is a lot of money involved and no one wants to play, relegation football in England is even more distressing. This explains why the ball occasionally doesn’t even touch the ground in relegation football. You must maintain your composure and mental toughness. I therefore believe that I am a more developed player intellectually.
Despite the fact that the Portuguese will be a difficult challenge, Manhoef is eager to contribute under manager Michael Reiziger after participating in his most recent youth football competition, in which he was only two days away from qualifying for the tournament.
“Of course, our goal is to win,” he continued. Given how large Holland is, you shouldn’t enter a tournament with the expectation that you will win. I believe we can because we have a lot of quality. Winning would be fantastic, and I have no doubt that we can return with the trophy.
“We are unquestionably a strong team. Although we have talented individuals on our own, I believe we could be much more effective as a team. Although we have some important players, I believe that as a team we are even more effective than any one person.
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