Mats Wieffer has revealed he has not spoken to Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman in the last five or six months, despite rebuilding momentum at Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Brighton midfielder, who has reinvented himself in a new position this season, admitted international recognition remains out of his hands as he waits to see whether he will be included in the Netherlands squad later this year.
Speaking to Viaplay, via Voetbal Primeur, Wieffer made it clear there has been little communication from Koeman, even as his club form has improved.
That leaves his international future uncertain.
Brighton role change has given Wieffer fresh momentum
It has been a different kind of season for Wieffer.
Rather than anchoring midfield, where he has spent most of his career, Brighton have used him primarily at right-back, and it has worked.
The 26-year-old has made 21 appearances in that role this season, compared to just five in his natural defensive midfield position.
That tactical shift has helped him stay involved and, more importantly, stay relevant.
Based on Brighton’s recent run of games, his adaptability has become a useful option in a squad that has needed flexibility in several positions.
Still, with Jerdy Schouten dealing with injury, there is fresh discussion about midfield openings in the Dutch squad.
Wieffer knows that could help his chances.
He also knows it changes nothing about the decision-making process.
“First of all, it is of course very sad for him. It really is terrible. As for me, I don’t really have any influence on that aspect.” — Mats Wieffer, via Viaplay
Ronald Koeman silence leaves Brighton man waiting
What stands out most is the lack of contact.
For a player trying to work his way back into the national picture, regular dialogue with the manager would usually be expected.
That has not happened here.
Wieffer confirmed the last meaningful contact came when he made the effort himself months ago.
“I called him once, five or six months ago. But I haven’t really spoken to him since then.” — Mats Wieffer
That does not automatically rule him out.
Koeman has often selected players based on form rather than constant communication. But the silence does suggest Wieffer is not currently among the manager’s priority options.
However, much can change before squad selection.
Can Wieffer force his way back into the Netherlands squad?
The biggest positive for Wieffer is his versatility.
Whether at right-back or in midfield, he has shown enough this season to stay in the conversation.
| Stat (2025/26) | Mats Wieffer |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 26 |
| At right-back | 21 |
| At midfield | 5 |
| Pass Accuracy | 88% |
source: sofascore match data – 25 April 2026
Those numbers underline a player who has adapted rather than disappeared.
Having followed Brighton closely this season, his flexibility has arguably strengthened his case, even if it has taken him away from his preferred role.
But it remains Koeman’s call.
Key insights
- Mats Wieffer says he has not spoken to Ronald Koeman in months
- The Brighton player has played mostly at right-back this season
- Injury to Jerdy Schouten could open a midfield opportunity
- Wieffer insists national team selection is out of his hands
- His versatility could still improve his chances
What’s next for Wieffer?
The final weeks of Brighton’s season could be crucial for Wieffer’s international hopes.
If he continues to perform consistently, especially if used in midfield again, it would strengthen his argument for inclusion.
Koeman’s squad decisions are expected in the coming weeks, and form often carries weight late in the season.
For Wieffer, the task is simple now. Keep playing, keep performing and force the conversation.
Should Koeman bring Wieffer back into the Netherlands squad despite the lack of contact?
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