Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Netherlands could line up for Thursday’s international friendly against Canada.
Ronald Koeman faces decisions on how to line up his Netherlands side for Thursday’s international friendly against Canada.
Oranje head into the Euro 2024 warm-up fixture in Rotterdam having recently used a back three and four, creating uncertainty ahead of this contest.
Should Koeman go with a back three, like in the 2-1 defeat to Germany in March, a trio of Nathan Ake, Matthijs de Ligt and Virgil van Dijk could be selected in the middle.
However, a solution is required at left wing-back. Daley Blind – a 106-cap veteran – featured there last time out, but switching Ake to the flank or using Jeremie Frimpong could be an alternative.
In midfield, Teun Koopmeiners – fresh off the back of Atalanta BC’s Europa League success – is available and could return to the centre of the pitch.
One of Jerdy Schouten or Joey Veerman would likely miss out, with AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders potentially retain his place.
Donyell Malen is expected to drop out of the attack having just represented Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, possibly leading to Cody Gakpo returning to partner Memphis Depay.
Xavi Simons, Steven Bergwijn and Brian Brobbey are also pushing for opportunities, but they may have to wait until an appearance from the substitutes’ bench.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains unavailable for the time being as he continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained in April.
Netherlands possible starting lineup: Verbruggen; Ake, De Ligt, Van Dijk; Dumfries, Veerman, Reijnders, Blind; Koopmeiners; Gakpo, Depay
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