Davy Klaassen gives himself a good chance to start against Ecuador on Friday. The Ajax midfielder could count on a starting place for a long time under Louis van Gaal, but had to settle for a role as a substitute against Senegal. Klaassen was responsible for the liberating 0-2, fought the snot in front of his eyes and would not be surprised if he does appear at the kick-off against Ecuador.
Van Gaal chose a midfield with Frenkie de Jong, Steven Berghuis and Cody Gakpo against Senegal. In addition to Klaassen, this also meant a reserve role for Teun Koopmeiners and Marten de Roon, among others, who were brought in in the final phase. For Klaassen it was his first goal ever at a World Cup and his tenth in the the Dutch shirt. “I was especially happy with the win and the goal,” the midfielder tells The Telegraph. “Those are beautiful moments. It’s great to start with a victory.”
The starting eleven is expected to look different in a few places against Ecuador. For example, the attack duo Vincent Janssen and Steven Bergwijn managed to make little impression and Memphis Depay can play longer than half an hour. Klaassen also smells his chance. “You always want to be in the starting line-up. Of course. I think I’m close to it anyway, because I’ve been able to start many matches. The fact that I didn’t play now can also just change again. The national coach is very clear about what he thinks of me and what he wants from me. I hope I’m back in it.”
Van Gaal Gakpo may move forward, freeing up a place in midfield for Klaassen or Koopmeiners. Frenkie is assured of his place as a controller and game distributor. Berghuis also seems to be able to count on a basic place against Ecuador again. After the victory over Senegal, Van Gaal already announced that Gakpo could also be used as one of the two most advanced attackers. “You could see in the first half that he had the speed to outrun the defenders. He is agile and skilled. He should have scored on his own.”
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