Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder will join former captain Giovanni Van Bronckhourst as Netherlands 4th most capped player in history after tonight’s tie against Italy.
- By Spencer Steevensz
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Wesley Sneijder will be looking to make today’s game a memorable one, as it will see him level with the 2010 World Cup squad captain Giovanni Van Bronckhourst, who made 106 appearances for the national team.
Currently sandwiched between active players Rafael Van Der Vaart (109 apps) and Dirk Kuyt (103), Sneijder will have some competition over taking Frank De Boer’s spot in second with 112 appearances, however, he, and possible Rafael Van Der Vaart, are likely to do so before they hang up their international boots. Sneijder and Van Der Vaart are 30 and 31, respectively, and although VdV has been unavailable to Oranje due to injury for both this summer’s World Cup and the two upcoming games, neither look to be succumbing to retirement anytime soon. If they are fit, Hiddink will call them, and they will show up.
Other players on the most capped list that are still staples of the team are Robin Van Persie, age 31, with 91 caps. Arjen Robben, age 30, with 82 caps; and, Nigel de Jong, age 29, with 76 caps.
The most capped player in Dutch history is legendary goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar with 130 caps in a 13-year career with the Dutch national team.