West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville has received strong backing from Dutch football legend Ruud Gullit after earning a place in the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The 24-year-old has been rewarded for an outstanding individual season despite West Ham’s relegation to the Championship, with national team boss Ronald Koeman opting to include him ahead of several more established options.
Summerville’s selection has generated debate in the Netherlands, particularly as he is yet to make a senior international appearance.
However, Gullit believes the winger’s inclusion is fully deserved and highlighted the qualities that have helped him stand out throughout his career.
Summerville rewarded after standout West Ham season
Although West Ham endured a disappointing campaign that ended in relegation, Summerville emerged as one of the club’s brightest performers.
The former Leeds United winger consistently carried the attacking burden for the Hammers and was widely regarded as their most influential player throughout the season.
His performances have also strengthened speculation over a potential transfer this summer, with several clubs believed to be monitoring his situation following West Ham’s drop into the Championship.
Summerville was often the one player capable of changing games individually, combining creativity, pace and unpredictability when the team struggled elsewhere.
Those qualities appear to have convinced Koeman to hand him a World Cup opportunity.
Ruud Gullit explains why Summerville deserves his chance
Speaking about the winger’s inclusion, Gullit acknowledged that Summerville has often divided opinion during his career but believes those characteristics can actually be strengths.
“I’ve known him for a while.
He’s an enfant terrible; he has an opinion, too. He was always considered a bit difficult, but it is precisely the difficult players who are the most fun.
They think outside the box, they think differently. He took a detour in England, played for Leeds United, and then went to West Ham United. I think it is a well-deserved reward.” — Ruud Gullit
The comments reflect a long-standing perception of Summerville in Dutch football, where his personality has sometimes attracted almost as much attention as his talent.
Gullit, however, sees that individuality as part of what makes the winger special.
Why Koeman’s decision is being praised
Former Netherlands international Glenn Helder also welcomed the selection, suggesting it demonstrates a willingness to think differently.
“He was always a nice player, but not really fully functional. He has really become a good footballer in England.
These kinds of players possess creativity. I can only applaud it. This is simply really thinking outside the box.” — Glenn Helder
The praise centres on Summerville’s development in English football, where he has matured significantly since leaving the Netherlands at a young age.
His performances for Leeds United first raised his profile before his move to West Ham elevated him further.
Key points
- Crysencio Summerville has been selected for the Netherlands World Cup squad
- Ruud Gullit believes the call-up is fully deserved
- The West Ham winger has never played for the senior national team
- Glenn Helder also praised the decision
- Summerville was one of West Ham’s standout performers despite relegation
What’s next?
Summerville will now look to make his senior Netherlands debut during the World Cup and establish himself as part of Koeman’s long-term plans.
At club level, his future remains uncertain following West Ham’s relegation, with strong performances on the international stage potentially increasing interest from clubs across Europe.
For now, though, the winger’s full focus will be on proving that Koeman’s faith was justified.
Can Crysencio Summerville use the World Cup to establish himself as one of the Netherlands’ next attacking stars?
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