Mart van Mourik10 Oct 2024, 23:56
Last updated: Oct 10, 2024, 11:58 PM
Ronald Koeman‘s last press conference before the Nations League match against Hungary is over. The press present was particularly curious about the choices made by the national coach at the forefront of the Dutch national team, but the selector kept his jaw tight. Nine of the eleven positions seem to be fixed.
In the third group match, the Netherlands visits Hungary, which lost 5-0 to Germany and drew 1-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dutch team managed to win 5-2 against the latter opponent, while the home game with the Germans remained in the balance: 2-2.
During the international break, Koeman does not (yet) have access to a large number of players who are injured or not fit enough to be fully available. In addition to Frenkie de Jong, who has just recovered, Nathan Aké, Teun Koopmeiners, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jerdy Schouten, Jurriën Timber, Joey Veerman and Wout Weghorst are also not present.
No surprises are expected on goal. Koeman is fully convinced of the qualities of Bart Verbruggen, who performed well in the previous Nations League matches. A forced change is being made in defense due to the absence of Nathan Aké.
Denzel Dumfries seems certain to play in the right back position, while Stefan de Vrij and Virgil van Dijk will form the heart of the defense. De Vrij was the regular at the back at the European Championships in Germany, but he was missing from the previous international series due to an injury. He returns to the team at the expense of Matthijs de Ligt. Micky van de Ven is the ideal man to replace Aké at the left back.
Koeman will also have to shift somewhat in midfield due to Schouten’s absence. Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders seem certain of their places. Of the remaining midfielders, Quinten Timber, who has had excellent weeks at Feyenoord, is the main candidate to fill the gap in midfield.
Furthermore, there is a good chance that Cody Gakpo will retain his place in the left front and that Xavi Simons will occupy the right wing position. Koeman did not want to say anything about the striker position, but since Brian Brobbey played excellently against Jonathan Tah last time against Germany, there is a good chance that he will opt for the same battle plan. That would mean that Zirkzee plays against the Hungarians.
Probable line-up of the Dutch national team: Bridge; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Timber, Reijnders; Simons, Zirkzee, Gakpo.
