Ebecilio's old partnership aids Netherlands

Four minutes from the end of the Netherlands' UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group B game against Germany in Smederevo, Anass Achahbar played Kyle Ebecilio a ball behind the defence that the Arsenal FC midfielder calmly finished to clinch a 2-0 win – and said it was a goal made at Feyenoord.

Ebecilio left the Rotterdam club for London in the summer but Feyenoord still supplied five of the Netherlands' starters, including striker Achahbar. Germany had been many people's favourites for the title in Serbia after a perfect qualifying run, but Ebecilio's strike ensured it is Albert Stuivenberg's side who are in sight of the semi-finals.

"It was a difficult game but the team worked hard and we did very well," Ebecilio told UEFA.com. "I worked hard too but in the first half I didn't play so well, I was much better in the second half. It was a good goal, I used to play with Anass at Feyenoord, and we used to do that a lot."

A regular in the qualifying round in autumn, Ebecilio was sent off in the last game against Ukraine – when the Netherlands were already through – and suspended for three games. That meant he missed the elite round, and having to follow the ultimately successful tournament in Rotterdam from afar was a nervy affair.

"I was very thankful to the team that they made it through the elite round," he said. "And I'm happy to be back in the squad for the finals. I couldn't see the games in Holland but one of my team-mates was calling me all the time when there was a goal or something."

Stuivenberg was delighted to be able to turn to Ebecilio again. "He was very important, especially against Emre Can from Germany, a very strong player, both with the ball and physically," the coach said. "He is the only one that could really compete with him so I am happy that he is back."

In September, Ebecillio had previously faced Can when the Netherlands lost a friendly in Germany. "We lost 2-1, but that was our first game all together as the national team," the midfielder said. "It was quite difficult. Now the team are playing much better than before. Everyone is now a team player and we work for each other, we know what to do on the pitch."

The cousin of Chelsea FC player Jeffrey Bruma, Kyle followed the defender from Feyenoord to London, and believes his time at Arsenal has already proved fruitful. "The first two months were a bit difficult but after that I came good," he said. "Physically I've improved and technically, and tactically as well."