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Rafael van der Vaart: 'I feel like a caged dog'

Van der Vaart: 'I feel like a caged dog'
© PA Photos
Rafael van der Vaart speaks of his disappointment at his current role in the Netherlands national squad.

Rafael van der Vaart has told Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk to pick him or face Euro 2012 elimination.

The Dutch face Germany in Kharkiv later today, knowing that a defeat would end their hopes of progressing beyond the group stage.

Van der Vaart, who was a second-half substitute during his side's 1-0 defeat to Denmark, says that he has been disappointed with his role in the national squad under Van Marwijk.

"I have the right to speak out with 97 caps behind my name. If Holland want to win, the coach has to play me in the starting lineup," he told The Sun. "I am no longer prepared to deny I am finding this role really tough. Do you know how frustrated I feel?

"I am in the best form of my life and I train so hard but I get the impression the team selection is not going to change in my favour. I don't want to cause a mess that would have a big effect on the others but it does not look like my position is going to change.

"Hardly any changes have been made to this team since the 2010 World Cup and that is great when you are in the starting lineup but it's crap when you're on the bench. I feel like a young dog that is dying to get out but is caged in."

Van der Vaart has scored 18 senior international goals.

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Wesley Sneijder
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