(Football news) The current Netherland squad is not very star-studded as compared to the previous generations. In last year's European Championships, they bowed out of the tournament with a 2-0 loss to the Czech Republic in the round of 16. Since then, the Dutch have notched up a string of good results against formidable opposition, including two very impressive wins over neighbours Belgium in the Nations League to top their group and book their place in the final four of the Nations league. A favourable draw with Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador in the World Cup group stages has further lifted their spirits. The Dutch federation also appears to back manager Louis Van Gaal who led them to the World Cup 2014 final after it was revealed later on that he was receiving treatment for prostate cancer.
The discussions around team selection have focused on the goalkeeper situation as Van Gaal dropped regular keeper Jasper Cillessen, his attitude has also been called into question by former teammate Rafael van der Vaart who described him as not a pleasant player to be around. In a surprise move, veteran Ajax keeper Remko Pasveer won his first senior cap at the age of 38 in September while Feyenoord’s goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, is also in contention with Heerenveen goalkeeper Andries Noppert.
The Oranje boast a star-studded defensive line with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, Matthijs de Ligt and Jurriën Timber. Van Gaal in recent matches have experimented in his midfield as several players are guaranteed to start, including the versatile Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong and defensive midfielder Daley Blind. Up front, Ajax’s Steven Bergjwin and Memphis Depay will likely start if they are fit.
The most surprising selection was Xavi Simons who is rewarded for a fine run of form this season. Simons has scored 10 goals and registered four assists in 21 matches across all competitions, and is regarded as one of the country’s best young prospects. However, there was disappointment for Newcastle’s Sven Botman, who missed out along with other high-profile exclusions including Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch and Brian Brobbey of Ajax. The Netherlands kick off their World Cup against Senegal on November 21, before facing Ecuador and concluding the group stage with the host Qatar on November 29.
NETHERLANDS WORLD CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Remko Pasveer (Ajax), Andries Noppert (sc Heerenveen)
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Jurriën Timber (Ajax), Denzel Dumfries (Internazionale), Stefan de Vrij (Internazionale), Mathijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona), Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Cody Gakpo (PSV), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax), Xavi Simons (PSV)
Forwards: Memphis Depay (FC Barcelona), Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Vincent Janssen (Royal Antwerp FC), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Noa Lang (Club Brugge), Wout Weghorst (Beşiktaş)
Also read: Messi leads a strong Argentina squad to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
