The Netherlands coach, Ronald Koeman, has made a bold move by including key players Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay in his final 26-man selection for the European Championship in Germany. Despite both players struggling with injuries recently, Koeman believes it is a risk worth taking with UEFA allowing an extension of squad sizes to 26 players for the tournament. Koeman, who played in the last tournament the Netherlands won in 1988, is determined to lead his team to victory this time around.
During a news conference, Koeman expressed optimism regarding Frenkie de Jong’s availability for the team’s first game against Poland on June 16. However, there are doubts about the midfielder’s match fitness and how many minutes he will be able to play. This uncertainty puts pressure on the team’s midfield options and could impact their overall performance in the tournament.
Surprisingly, the uncapped left-back Ian Maatsen has been left out of the squad, despite expectations that he would be included. His absence opens the door for other players to step up, including Borussia Dortmund’s Ryan Gravenberch, who is making a return to the national team after a year-long absence. Additionally, Quinten Timber, Nick Olij, and injured Marten de Roon will also miss out on the tournament, providing opportunities for other players to prove their worth.
Koeman has assembled a diverse squad with players representing clubs from across Europe. The goalkeepers include Justin Bijlow, Mark Flekken, and Bart Verbruggen, while the defensive line features the likes of Nathan Ake, Daley Blind, and Virgil van Dijk. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Georginio Wijnaldum will provide experience and leadership, alongside promising talents like Xavi Simons and Ryan Gravenberch. The attacking line includes Memphis Depay, Steven Bergwijn, and Wout Weghorst, offering a mix of creativity and goal-scoring prowess.
With a talented squad at his disposal, Ronald Koeman will be under pressure to deliver success for the Netherlands in the upcoming European Championship. The expectations are high for the team to perform well and potentially challenge for the title. The inclusion of key players like Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay adds depth and quality to the squad, but their fitness will be a crucial factor in determining the team’s success. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Koeman and his players as they aim to make their mark on the international stage.
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