Because the anticipation for Euro 2024 in Germany builds, the main focus intensifies on Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands, a crew not pegged as outright favourites however actually seen as formidable darkish horses.
Following their journey to the quarter-finals within the 2022 World Cup underneath Louis van Gaal, Koeman inherits a squad brimming with a promising mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience.
This stability leaves followers hopeful that the Oranje can intention for a glory harking back to their 1988 triumph, the crew’s final main match win.
Within the Combine: The Core of the Squad
Central to Koeman’s technique might be a core group of gamers who’ve constantly confirmed their value on the worldwide stage.
Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay stand out because the backbone of the crew, providing management, creativity, and attacking prowess. Their performances within the qualifiers have already showcased the potential for the Netherlands to compete amongst Europe’s elite.
With Koeman on the helm, there is a notable emphasis on integrating younger abilities who can inject dynamism into the squad.
Xavi Simons, as an illustration, represents this youthful vigour, his inclusion symbolising the Dutch technique of mixing expertise with recent expertise.
Challenges and Competitors
Regardless of not being outright favourites, the Netherlands faces a difficult group stage, with one other encounter in opposition to France, a testomony to the high-calibre competitors awaiting them. Austria additionally poses a big problem, guaranteeing the Oranje should showcase their finest from the outset.
Gamers to Watch
Virgil van Dijk: The defensive stalwart stays essential for stability on the again.
Frenkie de Jong: His midfield mastery might be very important for controlling video games.
Memphis Depay: Anticipated to guide the assault with aptitude and precision.
Xavi Simons: The younger expertise to observe, providing a glimpse into the way forward for Dutch soccer.
Who Would possibly Miss Out?
Whereas Koeman has a wealth of expertise at his disposal, robust choices loom concerning who makes the ultimate squad.
Gamers like Wout Weghorst and Joshua Zirkzee, regardless of their skills, face stiff competitors for locations, highlighting the depth of expertise inside Dutch ranks.
Squad Predictions
Listed here are the gamers that we imagine might be heading to the match, though this can must be damaged all the way down to 23 gamers nearer the date of Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers: Marco Bizot (Brest), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) and Mark Flekken (Brentford).
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Quilindschy Hartman (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Girona), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Nathan Ake (Manchester Metropolis), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord) and Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Matts Wieffer (Feyenoord), Gini Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig on mortgage from PSG), Quinten Timber (Feyenoord), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Joey Veerman (PSV), Jerdy Schouten (PSV) and Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta).
Forwards: Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid), Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Wout Weghorst (Hoffenheim on mortgage from Burnley), Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund) and Cody Gakpo (Liverpool).
FAQs
Will Ronald Koeman persist with skilled gamers or usher in new faces? Koeman is anticipated to mix skilled heads with younger, dynamic abilities, making for a balanced and aggressive squad.
Who’re the important thing gamers for the Netherlands in Euro 2024? Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, and Memphis Depay are set to be the cornerstone of the Dutch crew, with Xavi Simons as a notable younger expertise to observe.
What are the Netherlands’ possibilities at Euro 2024? Whereas not the highest favourites, the Netherlands possesses a squad able to going deep into the match, probably repeating their historic success from 1988.
