Despite his recent ankle injury, Frenkie de Jong has been named as part of the 30-man preliminary squad for the Netherlands in the upcoming European Championship. The Barcelona midfielder will have the opportunity to prove his fitness before the final squad is announced. Additionally, former captain Georginio Wijnaldum, who has been playing in Saudi Arabia, has made a return to the national team after a nine-month absence.
Depay’s Inclusion and Absentees
Lead forward Memphis Depay, who has been struggling with persistent injuries since the 2022 World Cup, has also been included in the squad by coach Ronald Koeman. However, some notable players such as winger Noa Lang, full-back Jurrien Timber, defensive midfielder Mats Wieffer, and striker Joshua Zirkzee did not make the cut. The final squad of 26 players will be announced on May 29.
The Netherlands squad also features the Liverpool trio of defender Virgil van Dijk, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and striker Cody Gakpo. Gravenberch, who has not played for the national team in over a year, will be looking to make an impact in the upcoming tournament. Additionally, promising young players like Teun Koopmeiners, Xavi Simons, and Joey Veerman have been included in the squad, showcasing Koeman’s faith in the next generation of Dutch talent.
The Netherlands will have warm-up matches against Canada and Iceland before kicking off their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland on June 16. In the group stage, they will also face tough opponents like France and Austria. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented youngsters, the Dutch team will be aiming to make a strong impression in the tournament.
Overall, Koeman’s preliminary squad selection for the European Championship reflects a balance between established players and up-and-coming talents. While the inclusion of injured players like De Jong and the return of Wijnaldum may raise some concerns, the coach’s decision to bring in fresh faces and give opportunities to promising youngsters shows a long-term vision for the national team. As the Netherlands prepare to compete against the best teams in Europe, the squad will be looking to come together and deliver a strong performance in the upcoming tournament.
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