Miedema: "Injuries are also common in women's football. It's all no coincidence. Sure, injuries are sometimes unstoppable, but I see a worrying pattern. The playing calendar for both the women and the men is simply too full." (cont.)

Miedema: "I can already draw out some of the reactions to this column, you know. We have the best profession in the world, we earn a lot of money and we shouldn't complain about anything else. 'Just play football.' But it doesn't work that way for me." ad.nl/buitenlands-vo…

Miedema: "I enjoy football very much and I feel privileged. But that doesn't mean ignoring our health. I consciously took a step back at the beginning of this month. I felt my body/mind were in need of rest. For people who don't work in elite sports, that will sound strange."

Miedema: "People who work in our world will understand it better. But many players don't feel that freedom to stand up for themselves or just want to continue down their tunnel. If you don't have a rest mentally, the chance of injuries is also higher."

Miedema: "Players need much better protection. Many coaches/agents look after their own interests. I do understand that coaches need to win matches and therefore want to line up their best players. But to what extent does result take precedence over the safety of a player?"