As far as Pierre van Hooijdonk is concerned, Ronald Koeman changes the starting line-up of the Dutch national team in several places for the meeting with Romania in the eighth finals. The analyst appoints NOS Studio Football his ideal setup for the Dutch team and has, among other things, a new position in mind for Memphis Depay.

According to Van Hooijdonk, Bart Verbruggen should simply remain under the bar, but the former striker wants to see one change in defense. Lutsharel Geertruida, who did not show his best game against Austria, should be replaced by Denzel Dumfries.

Van Hooijdonk wants to leave Jerdy Schouten and Tijjani Reijnders in midfield, but he has no room for Joey Veerman. In 10th position, the Supervisory Board member of NAC Breda would make way for Memphis.

That would be a change of position for the maker of the 2-2 against Austria. “Then you have three rockets up front and a creative boy like Memphis as an attacking midfielder.”

According to Van Hooijdonk, Memphis does not perform optimally as a striker. “He is best when he plays at 10, with another striker on him, then he comes into his own. He is into short touches and knows where those balls can come”, argues the NOSanalyst.

“Memphis needs a distractor. We can discuss who that should be, but that would make him better. The Dutch national team needs a striker who is always in the box.”

As far as Van Hooijdonk is concerned, Donyell Malen will be that striker. He should then be flanked by Jeremie Frimpong on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left.

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