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Netherlands Reveal Star-Studded Squad for Crucial Pre-World Cup Friendlies

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has selected a 26-player squad for crucial friendly matches against Norway and Ecuador this month. The friendlies serve as vital preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where the Dutch are in Group F. The squad is packed with talent from Europe's top leagues, including the Premier League and Serie A. The team will begin its World Cup campaign against Japan on June 14 in Arlington.

Key Points: Netherlands Squad for Pre-World Cup Friendlies Announced

  • Squad for Norway & Ecuador friendlies
  • Features stars from top European clubs
  • Part of World Cup Group F
  • Tournament starts June 14
2 min read

Netherlands unveil star-studded squad for pre-FIFA World Cup friendlies

Manager Ronald Koeman names 26-player Netherlands squad for March friendlies against Norway and Ecuador ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

"The manager Koeman has roped in several players from Serie A - Report"

Amsterdam, March 20

The Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman on Friday unveiled a 26-member squad for their side's friendlies this month ahead of the FIFA World Cup to be held in June.

The three-time FIFA World Cup runners-up Netherlands, will be playing Norway at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam on March 27, while they will travel to Eindhoven for a clash against Ecuador on March 31. The tournament will be held from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Netherlands is a part of Group F in the tournament alongside Japan, Tunisia and a qualifier team and will start their campaign against Japan at Arlington on June 14.

The manager Koeman has roped in several players from Serie A, the top-flight football competition in Italy.

The squad includes Liverpool stars Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk, Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders and Inter Milan's Stefan de Vrij and Denzel Dumfries.

The Dutch squad for pre-World Cup friendlies

-GOALKEEPERS: Justin Bijlow (Genoa), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen)

-DEFENDERS: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Stefan de Vrij (Inter), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea).

MIDFIELDERS: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Jerdy Schouten (PSV), Kees Smit (AZ), Quinten Timber (Olympique Marseille), Luciano Valente (Feyenoord), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus).

-FORWARDS: Forwards: Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Donyell Malen (Roma), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Xavi Simons (Tottenham), Wout Weghorst (Ajax), Noa Lang (Galatasaray).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see so many players from Serie A. The Dutch league used to be the primary feeder. Times are changing in European football. Good mix of youth and experience though. Gakpo and Simons are players to watch.
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Priya S
Always love watching the Netherlands play! Their style of football is so fluid. But honestly, as an Indian fan, I just feel a bit sad. When will we see our own Blue Tigers in a World Cup squad announcement? One can dream... 💙
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Rohit P
Solid team. But respectfully, I think the defence looks a bit thin beyond Van Dijk and Ake. The friendlies against Norway and Ecuador will be a proper test. If they can't keep clean sheets there, Japan's fast attackers will cause them problems.
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Michael C
The tournament being in North America means odd timings for us in India. But for Oranje, I'll definitely adjust my sleep schedule! Hope they go far this time. They play such attractive football, it's a shame they've never won it.
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Kavya N
No Frenkie de Jong? Is he injured? He's their engine in midfield. That's a massive blow if he's missing. Otherwise, the forward line with Depay, Gakpo, and Malen looks dangerous. Best of luck to them! 🤞

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