Nigel De Jong has pulled out of the Netherlands games against Mexico and Latvia, and Guus Hiddink has called up striker Luuk De Jong to replace him in the squad.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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With Hiddink’s Dutch team under fire, the loss of the midfield bull dog Nigel De Jong, to a hamstring injury will be worrisome, but in Jordy Clasie and Daley Blind the coach has options.
Instead of calling in another midfielder, Hiddink makes an interesting choice replacing the AC Milan star with another attacking option, in PSV Eindhoven’s Luuk de Jong. Obviously, Hiddink knows his team must score goals at all costs.
Luuk De Jong last appeared for Netherlands back in February 2012, when the Dutch beat England 3-2 at Wembley, with a loss of form seeing the forward endure frustrating spells with Borussia Monchengladbach, and Newcastle United. However the move to PSV this summer has breathed new life into the striker, who has netted eight times in eighteen appearances.
As prior noted, Leroy Fer has regained his spot on the squad after Ajax’s Davy Klaassen also opted out with injury. Although Ibrahim Afellay and Arjen Robben are not 100% fit, from injury and illness, respectively, they will both report to national team training and stay with the squad.
These next two games are a big test for Holland and Hiddink, and the second-time Dutch coach has stated he will likely step down from his post if the Dutch can’t muster three points against Latvia next week.
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I'm a digital/social marketer out of Chicago. I grew up loving Dutch football - total football is the only way to play. I support PSV in the Eredivisie, and whatever team has the most Dutch guys on it in any other league. Hup Holland Hup!
