Aissati set to make some noise

One of six survivors from last year's UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning side, the quietly-spoken Ismaïl Aissati is hoping to let his feet do the talking during the Netherlands' title defence.

Quiet man
Although a veteran of the Portugal campaign last summer, the 18-year-old Aissati remains the youngest member of Foppe de Haan's Jong Oranje squad. And the PSV Eindhoven midfielder recognises that he must come out of his shell more for the benefit of a team which, he says, lacks the natural leaders of the 2006 vintage. "Last season the squad was more experienced, with true leaders like [Gijs] Luirink, [Stijn] Schaars and [Klaas Jan] Huntelaar, who really got involved with the players," he told uefa.com.

Cocu advice
"This year it is a little different. I am not the type to offer my experience of the last tournament to the other players, but I have spoken with Phillip Cocu and I am learning to say more then just 'yes' or 'no'. I still prefer to let my feet do the talking though." De Haan is expecting more this term, however, and has asked the playmaker to assume a more prominent role. "Last season I was new and could play in the shadow of the other players," he continued. "But when you want to become a top player, you have to learn to cope with that pressure."

Knee complaint
Aissati is still trying to shake off a long-standing injury which has plagued him since last summer, and which he will have to grin and bear for two more weeks. "I have a problem with my right knee," said the No10, a loan star with FC Twente during the second half of the 2006/07 Eredivisie campaign. "It's something I had last summer and I will have to wait until after the championship before having the knee examined." First there is the small matter of defending the U21 crown on home soil, and the youngster is content to take it one step at a time. "If we reach the last four, it will already be something of a success. But it will be very special for me just to play in such a wonderful event."