Netherlands squad for FIFA World Cup announced; Depay returns
Amsterdam, May 27
The 26-man Netherlands squad for the FIFA World Cup was announced on Wednesday, with the team's all-time highest goal-scorer, Memphis Depay, recovering from a thigh injury.
After two months spent on the sidelines, Depay had made a comeback to competitive football as a second-half substitute in Corinthians' 1-0 win over Atletico Mineiro on May 24.
Depay, 32 will have attackers like Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen in his support, with the latter having scored 14 goals in 18 matches for Roma after joining the Italian side from Aston Villa in January, as per FIFA's official website.
Centre-back Virgil Van Dijk will serve as the captain, while Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is also expected to play a key role. Dijk's Liverpool teammate Jeremie Frimpong, is a notable omission from the squad.
Netherlands' World Cup squad-GoalkeepersMark Flekken Robin Roefs Bart Verbruggen
-DefendersNathan Ake, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Jurrien Timber, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven
-MidfieldersFrenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Mats Wieffer
-ForwardsBrian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Justin Kluivert, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst
The Netherlands' World Cup fixtures:14 June: Netherlands v Japan - Dallas Stadium20 June: Netherlands v Sweden - Houston Stadium25 June: Tunisia v Netherlands - Kansas City Stadium.
— ANI
Reader Comments
So excited for the World Cup! 🏆 Netherlands always play attractive football. But I'm surprised Frimpong was left out - he's been brilliant for Leverkusen. Hopefully Van Dijk leads them deep into the tournament.
Honestly, I feel the midfield looks a bit thin. De Jong is world-class but after him, who else? Koopmeiners and Gravenberch haven't been consistent. They'll need Depay and Gakpo to fire if they want to go far.
Donyell Malen's form at Roma is incredible - 14 goals in 18 matches! 🔥 He could be the surprise package. And having Weghorst as a Plan B is always handy. The Dutch are definitely dark horses this time!
Good squad but defensively they look vulnerable. Van Dijk hasn't been at his best this season and Timber is still young. Let's see if they can hold up against top attacks. Excited to watch them though! 🎉
The fixtures look manageable for Netherlands - Japan and Sweden before Tunisia. Should be enough to top the group. But the real test will be in the knockouts. Van Dijk's leadership will be key. Hope they bring back the 90s magic! ✨
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