Football-Oranje’s Michael Statham goes through the current Netherlands squad options to pick out the best players and which positions still need to be improved.
- by Michael Statham
- Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike
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Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.
I think that we should play with a different formation and utilize our strengths. We shouldn’t always need to rely on the 4-3-3. Back to the days of the 3-4-3 diamond would not be a bad option and look more like a 5-4-1 when playing in our own end. I still have hope for Gosens, but it lessens with every passing day.
Cillessen
De Ligt. Van Dijk. Aké
De Jong
Hateboer. Blind
Wijnaldum
Depay
Promes Bergwijn
Subs:
Bizot
Bijlow
De Vrij
Wijndal
Dumfries
Koopmeiners
De Roon
Van de Beek
Stengs
Boadu
Kluivert
Malen
Gosens looks an interesting option. He has played a lot at LWB though and still needs to prove himself at LB at the top level.
Thanks, Mike – always interesting coverage.
Right back remains an open question for Oranje. So wouldn’t you consider Kenny Tete (who only missed the final Nations League squad because he was injured in camp) and perhaps a future star in Celtic’s 19 year old Jeremie Frimpong?
Similarly, a true left back must push Blind into a bench utility role. Don’t you think that Mitchel Bakker’s recent starts for Paris Saint-Germain have positioned him as a future star?
I can’t disagree with your categorisation of Nathan Aké, but am curious to see what Pep does with his new £40m man – is he just a centre back or could he also play defensive midfield or left back, given his athletic and aggressive style?
And my final question: is it too much to dream that Groningen’s Arjen Robben might regain fitness for one last tournament for Oranje?
Cheers, Mike
Yes, Bakker and Frimpong are two choices I should have included! Both are ones for the future. Frimpong is great coming forward but he’ll still have to improve how he defends against better opponents. Bakker has a big season ahead of him.
I don’t think Bakker is quite ready and doesn’t offer much going forward. Opposite of Wijndal, who could work on his defensive game, in my opinion. With the exception of Bijlow, right now, it’s a shame we don’t have more competition under the bar long term. I do agree with Kenny Tete, I have always been a fan and he has a lot of competition at club level and that’s why he’s not starting. Hopefully, a transfer is in the cards for him.
My starting lineup is 4-3-3
Bizot- Karsdorp, De Light, Van Dyke, Wyndal
Wynaldum, De Roon, Frenkie De Jong-
Stengs, Malen, Depay
My Dutch team for the euros is
Bizot- Karsdorp, De Light, Van Dyk, Wyndal
Wynaldum, De Roon, De Jong-
Stengs, Malen, DePay
Karsdorp, another interesting option that has to be looking to prove himself. Not the same player after injury and hopefully he can be another one who revives his career elsewhere. Doesn’t look like that will be at Roma or Feyenoord. I think Germany would suit his game or even another Italian team. Hard to put Stengs or Malen over Bergwijn though. I think of the Netherlands could have a similar midfield to Liverpool, that set up would work lovely.