With two matches to play, the Netherlands are sitting atop Group G of the UEFA qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and edging closer to a second consecutive and 12th overall outing at the global finals.
Since a 4-0 victory over Finland on 12 October, the Oranje’s confidence has grown – but so have the “problems” for head coach Ronald Koeman, who is rather spoilt for choice in defence at the moment. One player in particular has born the brunt of this selection dilemma as of late: Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt, who once again missed out on a call-up during the most recent international window.
Many other nations could only dream of having such “problems”, but one glance at the Oranje’s star-studded squad is enough to understand why Koeman often has to make tough calls. Almost all of the first-choice Dutch defence play in the English Premier League, and Denzel Dumfries and Stefan de Vrij are starring in Italy with UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter Milan.
Given such fierce competition, there is simply no room for De Ligt in Koeman’s squad at present. Captain Virgil van Dijk is always the first name on Koeman’s list, often lining up alongside the in-form Micky van de Ven, Jurrien Timber and Jan Paul van Hecke. Nathan Ake also has the confidence of the coach, leaving De Ligt on the outside looking in.
“That’s the most unpleasant part of my job,” admitted Koeman. “It gives me a headache sometimes, especially because of the central defenders I sometimes have to leave out.” But the door does not appear to be completely closed for De Ligt, who still hopes to force his way back into the squad that are on the verge of booking their ticket to North America next year: “I have a lot of contact with Matthijs. He’s a guy who asks for feedback, about what he has to do to be included,” added the 62-year-old head coach.
One man that De Ligt will struggle to dislodge is Van Dijk, the nation’s long-standing defensive leader and undisputed focal point around which Koeman builds his team. The Dutch captain’s success with Liverpool has certainly vindicated Koeman’s approach, with the Reds claiming two Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy with Van Dijk at the heart of their backline.
All that is missing for the 34-year-old is glory with his national team. “It’s a childhood dream to represent your country at a World Cup,” he said. “In my case, it’s very special because I’m allowed to lead the team as captain.”
Koeman’s embarrassment of defensive riches has not gone unnoticed by the rest of the squad either, with Timber recently saying, “The level of competition is brutal, but it keeps us on our toes and can only make us better.”
On the flip side, players such as De Ligt – himself in a rich vein of form at Manchester United – are at risk of missing out on next year’s World Cup altogether. “It’s not easy to leave out players who would be first choice for almost any other team. But that’s part of my job,” Koeman said.
De Ligt is by no means the only talented Dutch defender currently kicking his heels on the fringes of the squad, with the likes of Ian Maatsen, Lutsharel Geertruida and Chelsea new boy Jorrel Hato all having recently missed Koeman’s cut too.
The Netherlands are perhaps not generally known for such defensive solidity, but more for their exceptional attacking talent, as epitomised by players of the ilk of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Arjen Robben, Dennis Bergkamp, Wesley Sneijder, Marc Overmars…the list of attack-minded players who have captivated Oranje supporters – and fans all over the world – could go on and on.
“It used to be the other way round,” admitted Koeman. “We are blessed with great defenders. It would be nice if we had such luxuries up front too.” With Wout Weghorst, Memphis Depay, Donyell Malen, Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo all in their ranks, the Oranje certainly have a formidable attack, but there is still a marked difference compared to the quality of their defence.
Recent results, meanwhile, have shown that Koeman’s troops are on the right track. Six matches, five wins – four of them without conceding a goal – and no defeats speak volumes about their form.
The Dutch would seal their place at next year’s global extravaganza with victory in Poland on 14 November, but one question remains – who will Koeman pick in defence?
