Louis van Gaal names his Netherlands squad for the World Cup

Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)

Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal has named his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. 

Despite being named as favourites in previous World Cups, they are coming into this tournament somewhat under the radar.  

It is a squad selected by the veteran manager who will be appearing in his final World Cup and his choice reflects what he generally looks for in a side. There is pressing, adaptability and high energy. However there are questions over form, fitness and depth however in this selection. 

One of the biggest calls came with the dropping of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. He had been first-choice since 2013. Van Gaal stated that he was unable to prove his fitness in time. The keepers selected instead have a mere eight caps between them. 

In defence, there are questions over the form of several players. Daley Blind and Jurrien Timber have disappointed for Ajax in the Champions League, while Virgil Van Dijk has not been at his usual high standard with Liverpool. 

Nathan Ake, meanwhile, has not been a regular choice for Manchester City. Given his preference for using wing-backs, much of the creative spark will be expected to come from the likes of Dumfries and Tyrell Malacia. 

In midfield, the primary shock omission came with that of Ryan Gravenberch who has been in excellent form for Bayern Munich. Xavi Simons form with PSV impressing enough to be selected ahead of him. 

The lack of playing time for Donny Van De Beek counting against him on the plane. Given his partnership with Frenkie De Jong many felt he still might have gone. De Jong has had his issues with playing time and fitness at Barcelona himself. 

Up front, the selection of Vincent Jansson has raised eyebrows. He had been playing out in Mexico, but recently returned to Royal Antwerp. Memphis Depay has been carrying a knock recently and not fully fit to start. A lot of attention will be on Cody Gakpo of PSV with many clubs after his signing.  

Netherlands squad:



Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Andries Noppert (Heerenveen), Remko Pasveer (Ajax).

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Jurrien Timber (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan).

Midfielders: Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Xavi Simons (PSV Eindhoven), Kenneth vi Taylor (Ajax).

Forwards: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Cody Gakpo (PSV), Vincent Janssen (Antwerp), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Noah Lang (Club Brugge), Wout Weghorst (Besiktas).

 

About Philip Morrissey

Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile