According to certain Dutch media, Georginio Wijnaldum could remember (good?) French football this Friday evening. After having taken him out to everyone’s surprise from his golden pre-retirement in Al-Ettifaq, in Saudi Arabia, to incorporate him into his list of twenty-six at the Euro, Ronald Koeman, the coach of the Netherlands, would be thinking of start the former Paris-SG midfielder (2021-2023) against the Blues.
Wijnaldum (33 years old) would be preferred to Joey Veerman in the heart of the game. In this hypothesis, Tijani Reijnders would leave him the position of number 10 which he held during the first match against Poland (2-1, June 16) to move back a notch and position themselves at the level of Jerdy Schouten. The AC Milan midfielder’s quality footwork would help his team transition between the defensive and offensive phases.
Simons on the bench for the benefit of Frimpong?
The tenure of Georginio Wijnaldum, if tenure there is, would therefore redistribute the cards in the middle, without however affecting the tactical structure of the team. After working on several game systems during the week in the greatest secrecy of the Wolfsburg training center, where the Oranges have established their base camp, Koeman seems determined to keep his victorious 4-2-3-1 at the opening of this Euro. On Wednesday, during a closed session, he led an opposition with the same eleven as against Poland. During the last 20 minutes, Wijnaldum took Veerman’s place.
The other question concerns the right winger position. Xavi Simons having disappointed again against Poland, he could give up his place at kick-off. Still according to the media in his country, Jeremie Frimpong would be on pole to replace him. This appears surprising when we know that the association between Denzel Dumfries and the very recent winner of the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen has hardly worked, until now, in the selection. The tenure of Donyell Malen, who already replaced Simons after the hour mark against Poland, would appear more rational.
If it is confirmed, Koeman would however take the risk of losing Simons mentally and morally for the rest of the competition. This Netherlands – France will indeed take place in its garden at the Red Bull Arena. There, where the former Parisian shone with RB Leipzig throughout this season (10 goals and 13 assists, in 43 matches, all competitions combined). If there’s one match Simons absolutely wants to play, it’s this one.
