Burnley striker Zian Flemming is becoming increasingly difficult for the Netherlands to ignore, with calls for an international call-up growing louder ahead of the summer.
The latest voice backing the Zian Flemming forward is former Dutch international Kenneth Pérez, who believes the Burnley man could offer something different to Ronald Koeman’s attack.
Speaking to ESPN Netherlands, Pérez made a striking comparison, suggesting Flemming could become the Dutch equivalent of Olivier Giroud — a striker valued as much for his tactical function as his goals.
For a player who has never represented the senior Netherlands side, that is a notable endorsement.
Burnley form making Flemming impossible to overlook
Flemming’s season at Burnley F.C. has quietly become one of the club’s few bright points.
After joining permanently from Millwall F.C. for around €8.3million last summer following a successful loan spell, the 27-year-old has adapted well to Premier League football despite Burnley’s difficult campaign.
His numbers tell the story.
| Stat (2025/26) | Zian Flemming |
|---|---|
| Premier League appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Goals in last 7 games | 4 |
Source: league match data – 29 April 2026
Those numbers stand out even more given Burnley’s struggles, with the Clarets enduring a winless run stretching back to February.
Based on recent Burnley matches we’ve covered, Flemming has often looked like the one player capable of changing games in difficult moments.
That consistency matters.
Netherlands need alternatives up front
The debate around Flemming’s inclusion has grown partly because of uncertainty surrounding Memphis Depay.
Injury concerns around the Netherlands’ established forward have increased the focus on alternative attacking options for manager Ronald Koeman.
Flemming offers something different.
He is not the classic Dutch technical forward in style, but his physicality, link-up play and aerial presence could give Koeman a tactical option the current squad lacks.
That was exactly Pérez’s point.
France built around Giroud for years not because he was their most gifted attacker, but because his profile made everyone around him better.
The comparison may not be perfect, but the logic is understandable.
Why Flemming’s style divides opinion
In Dutch football culture, technical elegance often carries huge value.
That may partly explain why Flemming remains overlooked.
His game is more direct, functional and physical than many traditional Dutch forwards.
But international football often rewards balance rather than aesthetics.
That is why his case is becoming stronger.
However, it remains unclear whether Koeman sees him as a serious option for the upcoming international window.
Selection decisions often depend on tactical fit rather than club form alone.
Key insights
- Flemming has scored nine Premier League goals this season
- Kenneth Pérez compared him to Olivier Giroud
- Burnley’s struggles have not affected his individual output
- Memphis Depay’s injury concerns increase Flemming’s chances
- Ronald Koeman faces growing calls to test him internationally
What’s next?
The Netherlands squad announcement for the summer fixtures will provide the clearest answer on Flemming’s international standing.
If he continues his current scoring form and reaches double figures before the season ends, pressure on Koeman will only intensify.
Burnley’s relegation may complicate perceptions, but strong Premier League output remains difficult to dismiss.
For Flemming, the next few weeks could shape his international future.
Should Ronald Koeman finally hand Flemming his Netherlands debut this summer?
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