Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at 6:48 AM• Last update: 06:55

Bert van Marwijk looks at the Dutch with optimism, writes the former national coach of the Dutch national team in his column The Telegraph. According to the current choice of the United Arab Emirates, during the exhibition match against Scotland next Wednesday, it should become clear what way of playing Frank de Boer has in mind for the upcoming European Championship. “Will he build on the 4-3-3 of the last eight international matches under his leadership or will he opt for something else?”, Van Marwijk wonders.

“Of course we miss one of the best defenders in the world with Virgil van Dijk, but at the same time Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij are perhaps the best defenders in a competition that is known for its defensive specialists”, Van Marwijk emphasizes. He states that Frenkie de Jong is considered one of the best players in LaLiga. “And as the game’s designer, there is probably no better one in the world right now.”

Memphis Depay, in Van Marwijk’s words, has had a ‘very good and productive season’ at Olympique Lyon and is ‘ripe for a step to the very highest level’. “In a constructive way, we have an exceptional player in house with Daley Blind, while Georginio Wijnaldum has now shown for several seasons that he is a top European player”, said Van Marwijk, who thinks Owen Wijndal is ‘one of the greatest defensive talents’. “We have the speed and purpose of Depay and Malen, but also the physical strength and head qualities of Luuk de Jong and Wout Weghorst. This selection has routine but also the ambition of the upcoming youth. ”

Van Marwijk states that the opponents in the group stage of the European Championship – Ukraine, North Macedonia and Austria – should actually not be a problem. “So it looks good for the Dutch”, concludes Van Marwijk, who at the same time warns that this is not yet a guarantee of success. He cites an example from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa to emphasize the importance of the hotel and training accommodation. At the time, the the Dutch had to leave his hotel, because it was claimed by officials. “The routine that we had all weeks in our preparation was suddenly disrupted. Small, seemingly insignificant details can all ultimately influence the result. ”

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