The pre-selection of the Dutch national team for the Nations League matches against Poland (September 22) and Belgium (September 25) has been announced. National coach Louis van Gaal has selected 32 men. The most notable names are Andries Noppert, Kenneth Taylor, Brian Brobbey, Joey Veerman and Pascal Struijk. The final selection will be announced on Friday 16 September.
Players such as Noa Lang, Luuk de Jong and Georginio Wijnaldum are missing from Van Gaal’s pre-selection due to injuries. Wijnaldum already seems to have to put the World Cup out of his mind permanently because of a fractured shin bone. Horace Danjuma is also missing. The Villarreal attacker is also struggling with an injury. His last game before el Submarino Amarillo dates from the end of April.
With the summer transfer window closed in most countries, Van Gaal can map out his potential World Cup attendees. Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong decided to stay with Barcelona, but both strong holders of the Dutch do not seem to be able to count on a base place at their club this season. Jasper Cillessen (NEC) and Steven Bergwijn (Ajax) opted for a transfer this summer and, like the undisputed Barça duo, seem to secure a place in the World Cup selection.
The full pre-selection of the Dutch national team:
Goal: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Andries Noppert (SC Heerenveen), Jasper Cillessen (NEC), Mark Flek (SC Freiburg), Remko Pasveer (Ajax)
Defense: Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Jurriën Timber (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Bruno Martins Indi (AZ), Devyne Rensch (Ajax), Pascal Struijk (Leeds United)
Midfield: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Jordy Clasie (AZ), Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern Munich), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax), Joey Veerman (PSV)
Attack: Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Cody Gakpo (PSV), Memphis Depay (Barcelona), Vincent Janssen (Royal Antwerp), Wout Weghorst (Besiktas)