The 22-year-old Valente received his maiden call-up to Ronald Koeman's side and got to play his first minutes during Monday's win, during which he replaced Xavi Simons in the 78th minute.
Valente, who joined Feyenoord from FC Groningen last summer, shared with reporters at the Johan Cruyff ArenA what Koeman told him before his cameo"
"Just to do my thing. Do what we agreed upon as a team, follow the instructions, and when I get the ball, play my own game."
Koeman hinted at Valente's debut during Sunday's press conference, when it was already clear that the Netherlands could only theoretically miss out on World Cup qualification. "I saw it, yeah. I hadn't heard anything, so I sat and waited nervously. I'm very happy he gave me the chance.
I enjoyed the last seven days a lot; it's made me want more."
Midfield puzzle
Ronald Koeman, who revealed during Monday's post-game press conference that he'd found his ideal midfield, has excellent midfield options at Oranje. Frenkie de Jong, Tijjani Reijnders, Ryan Gravenberch, Xavi Simons, and Justin Kluivert all play in top European leagues.
For Valente, it's a blast to play alongside players of that quality: "I'm a huge fan. They're fantastic midfielders," said Valente, who's realistic about his chances at grabbing a spot in the starting lineup.
"It's not something I look at right now, they have so much quality and I'm just not there yet. To play with them is something to look forward to and to learn from, I love to do that, and I'm excited for it."
The Italian-Dutch midfielder acknowledged it's a step up from the level he's used to: "The passing, the handling speed, the combinations - everything is faster."
World Cup aspirations
During his first time as a full-time Netherlands international, Valente, who was eligible to play for Italy and had played in the youth teams, made his decision to play in orange final.
"I'd made the decision, but it became official today," Valente said, whilst acknowledging that Italy are going through a rough patch.
"Yeah, they're going to the play-offs. It's gonna be difficult for them, but, of course, I hope they qualify."
The creative midfielder watched the 2022 World Cup from Groningen and never thought he'd be at the stage he is today.
"I watched it as a fan. I watched it in bars with friends. It was far, far away - you never realise you could be there yourself. I really enjoyed being there now."
Valente only played 12 minutes in the qualifying phase for next year's World Cup, but felt proud to play on Monday.
"It feels weird. I didn't really participate. They did all of it. Of course, it's nice to celebrate it today, but it doesn't feel like it's mine. Ultimately, I'm also a Netherlands supporter, so I'm just as happy as everyone else. I'm secretly very proud to be part of it."
