VNL: Netherlands eager to face Japan, says Maarten Van Garderen

The Netherlands in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–The Netherlands couldn’t help but look forward to its match-up against the league’s undefeated squad, Japan, in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Friday.

Dutch star Maarten Van Garderen admitted they are in awe of the Japanese’s style of play.

“Japan is playing amazing volleyball. We saw some matches and they have such a fast and technical game. I think a lot of countries are jealous of their game,” Maarten Van Garderen said at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday after a four-set win over Canada.

“I like the players so much, (Yuki) Ishikawa and Ran (Takahashi), I played against them in Italy as well so I’m looking forward to the match cause it’s a different kind of team and that’s why I want to see how we play against them.”

“We’ll do what we did before today, watch a lot of videos, prepare mentally and physically and we’ll be confident enough to do it against them.”

After the win over Canada, the Dutch dropped a straight-set game at the hands of vengeful Brazil. 

Japan hiked its winning streak in the VNL on Tuesday after escaping China in a tight affair, 24-26, 25-23, 21-25, 25-23, 15-12. Ryujin Nippon was powered by Ishikawa with 18 points.

While Japan is using its bench efficiently, the Netherlands is facing a problem with personnel.

“We have some difficulties with sickness in other players, a player was left in the hotel because he was not feeling so well but we managed to recover,” Van Garderen revealed.

The player left in the hotel was the squad’s middle blocker, Cornelius Luuc van Der Ent.

Van Garderen, however, said that the player is already doing well and is expected to suit up in the Dutch’s clash against the Japanese on Friday.