In a 4-0 loss that was not quite as lopsided as the final score indicates, even Ronald Koeman and Virgil van Dijk were shocked when Scotland failed to score.
Yes, the Netherlands really let loose in the last 20 minutes, scoring the second, third, and fourth goals in the closing moments. But up until then, it was a very close match between two countries getting ready for the European Championships that were approaching.
The coach of the Oranje, Koeman, acknowledges that the result in Amsterdam flattered the hosts. Conversely, Steve Clarke, the former Kilmarnock manager, is still unable to find a solution to Scotland’s striker problems.
Does Clarke choose Che Adams’s gait and pace of work? The skills of Lyndon Dykes as a target man? Or Lawrence Shankland’s unadulterated talent to score goals?
In the Dutch capital, it was the latter that was chosen. While the Scotland teammate John McGinn believes that a “outstanding” center-forward’s performance against possibly the best defender on the planet should not be overshadowed by an extremely uncharacteristic error, the reported Rangers target’s performance will be remembered for that miss—clipping the bar when the goal was at his mercy.
Scotland’s Rangers target has a tough night.
Shanks was excellent, in McGinn’s opinion, the Daily Record is told. “Playing against one of the best defenders in the world, Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool, is not an easy task.”
However, he was incredibly strong; he held it up, laid it off, and effectively connected the play. He was a useful outfield player for us, and I believe he’ll be content.
Shankland, whose contract with Hearts is about to expire and new terms are unlikely to be agreed upon, has been linked to Rangers, Celtic, and many other clubs south of the border. He has scored 27 goals in yet another successful season at the club level.
But he only has two goals to his name for Scotland. But Shankland’s back-to-goal abilities are just as valuable for a national side that might give up possession against elite opponents, according to Aston Villa star McGinn, who maintains that there is more to Shankland’s game than goals.
When you’re a player like Shanks, the goals come easily,” McGinn continues. And we’re pleased with his performance. The opportunities come and go, and the following one will be behind the scenes.
Hearts may lose Shankland this summer for as little as £3 million, as his contract expires in 2025, according to sources.
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