Netherlands take fitness risk on Depay and De Jong for Euro 2024 squad
Ronald Koeman has named his 26-man Dutch squad for the tournament in Germany next month
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman will gamble on the fitness of key midfielder Frenkie de Jong and forward Memphis Depay after including the duo in his final 26-man selection for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Both have been struggling with injuries of late but with Uefa having extended squad sizes from 23 to 26 players for the June 14-July 14 finals, it is a risk worth taking for Koeman as he seeks to win a first continental title for the side since 1988, a tournament he played in.
“Frenkie will report for the team on Saturday, but things are going well. The first group match (against Poland in Hamburg on June 16) is feasible (for him to play),” Koeman told reporters.
“We have had a troubled cycle with many injuries. You make choices and sometimes they are difficult.”
There is no place for the uncapped left-back Ian Maatsen, who will feature for Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday and had been expected to be part of the squad.
“It took some thinking, what was the best moment? He will play the Champions League final on Saturday. He’s disappointed, that’s normal,” Koeman said.
“The reason is that there are several guys in his position and they are given preference. (Nathan) Ake, (Micky) Van de Ven and (Daley) Blind. It gives me the opportunity to bring an extra attacker.”
Quinten Timber and goalkeeper Nick Olij are others who miss out, along with injured Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon, providing an opportunity for Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch to make a return to the team for the first time in over a year.
“Yesterday we made the decision with Timber, also based on what the medical staff outlined,” Koeman said. “He won’t be fit for another seven to 10 days. That would be too long. I made an exception for the other two boys (De Jong and Depay).”
The Netherlands also have France and Austria in Group D and will face Canada (June 6) and Iceland (June 10) in home warm-up fixtures before they travel to Germany.
“I am positive. We are difficult to beat,” the coach said. “We can play multiple systems with this group and have a strong team. We do need to improve our game without the ball. When is it (Euro 2024) successful? If you win it.”
Netherlands squad for Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Mark Flekken (Brentford), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Girona), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Jeremy Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Jerdy Schouten (PSV Eindhoven), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), Joey Veerman (PSV Eindhoven), Georginio Wijnaldum (Al Ettifaq)
Forwards: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund), Wout Weghorst (Hoffenheim)
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments