Douglas to go Dutch

Brazilian set to switch

By Gerrit van Leeuwen.   Last Updated: October 5, 2011 10:20pm

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Douglas: Switching international allegiance

Sky Bet

FC Twente stopper Douglas is switching his international allegiance from Brazil to Holland.

The 23-year-old Brazilian-born defender is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie.

He has not represented Brazil and is now ready to play for Holland having already passed the exam for Dutch nationality.

Douglas is entering his fifth year in Dutch football and has never hidden his desire to play for the Oranje.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk told NOS that he is ready to talk to the player once official approval has come through: "I follow Douglas just as a lot of other players. We all know the request is pending.

"The moment he will obtain his pass is coming closer, but we also need dispensation of Fifa. At the moment I am not in touch with Douglas.

"We have to wait for when he is eligible to play."