Depay in, De Ligt out: How will Netherlands line up at the 2022 World Cup?
Karan Tejwani
- Updated: 16 Nov 2022 08:58 CST
- 3 min read
Netherlands are set to return to the World Cup after eight years away and are hoping to make up for lost time after missing football’s biggest tournament.
The Dutch got through their qualifiers under Louis van Gaal’s tutelage and have a bright, young squad to thrive with at the tournament in Qatar.
Inspired by a host of youngsters developed at Ajax and PSV and stars playing at foreign clubs who have made a huge name for themselves in recent times.
So, for their return to football’s biggest stage, how could Van Gaal set out his team for the World Cup for matches against Senegal, Ecuador and hosts Qatar.
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Back five for Van Gaal
The man in their net is a slight doubt: Remko Pasveer played the latest Nations League games, but has been out of form for Ajax; however, Jasper Cillessen’s exclusion could allow him to continue.
The Dutch have maintained a back three for Van Gaal’s tenure with captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of it and he will be joined by Ajax’s Jurrien Timber on the right and Manchester City’s Nathan Ake on the left.
Van Gaal likes to have a left-footed centre-half on the left side and that’ll continue with Ake, however, he will have the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Stefan de Vrij to support.
The wing-backs will see Denzel Dumfries on the right with Jeremie Frimpong selected to support him and Daley Blind – so efficient under Van Gaal – on the left, as Tyrell Malacia deputizes.
In midfield, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong is the centrepiece of the team and he will be supported by Teun Koopmeiners, who has impressed for the Dutch.
Who sits behind the forwards is another question: Cody Gakpo’s form for PSV has been exceptional and he can show why he’s so highly-rated, but Steven Berghuis is strong competition.
Up top, there will be the forward duo of Memphis Depay – on the verge at Barcelona but shining for the Netherlands – and Ajax’s Steven Bergwijn.
The bench is looking strong as well: apart from the deputy names mentioned, the likes of Wout Weghorst, Marten de Roon, Kenneth Taylor and Noa Lang are all selected.
