Marten de Roon responded to the criticism of the positional play of the Dutch national team at the press conference on Thursday afternoon. The Atalanta midfielder says that the selection “does not play badly on purpose”, but that “the first thought is not the entertainment value”. Denzel Dumfries also provides a medical update on doubtful cases of Jeremie Frimpong and Stefan de Vrij.
Although the the Dutch qualified as group winner for the round of 16 of the World Cup, the criticism of the field game is not tender. The Dutch national team won against Senegal (0-2) and Qatar (2-0), while drawing against Ecuador (1-1). De Roon agrees that the the Dutch is ‘still searching’. “That is clear”, the midfielder begins. After the United States’ victory over Iran (0-1), it became clear that Sergiño Dest’s team is the next opponent. “America is a physical team with a lot of energy,” says De Roon. “We have to put the same energy in return. Then good field play can make the difference. The quality of our positional play and our passes must be optimal, so you stay away from the duels.”
Doctor Dumfries provides medical updates on Stefan de Vrij and Jeremie Frimpong:
“We’re all fit.” ? pic.twitter.com/tCiwnBiSlq
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) December 1, 2022
Valentijn Driessen, among others, was critical of the Dutch game shown and did not hide it. Other analitcy in the Netherlands were also pronounced. “I don’t get much from this, but the game will always be a point of discussion,” De Roon continues. “Of course we as a team want to play football as well as possible, but our first thought is not the entertainment value. This is about winning. On the other hand, we also know that attractive football improves our game. We’re working on that. We don’t deliberately play badly.”
Dumfries, who was also a guest at the press conference, sees that things need to improve, but also thinks that many things are going well at the the Dutch. “We always score a goal and in general we are good defensively. Pressing also often works well. We have to improve on the ball, we are working hard on that. Gradually you will see that it will come. I’m convinced of that.” Frimpong injured his ankle during training last week after a duel with Wout Weghorst, while De Vrij trained separately from the group. Dumfries indicates that the two are doing well again. “It’s going great. We are all fit.”