Head coach Ronald Koeman has decided not to include Joshua Zirkzee and Justin Kluivert in the Netherlands squad for the Nations League match against Hungary. This became clear on Saturday.
Ronald Koeman has finalized the Netherlands squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, leaving out two notable names: Joshua Zirkzee and Justin Kluivert.
This decision, which was confirmed on Saturday, reflects Koeman's efforts to streamline his squad for the crucial match against Hungary, adhering to UEFA’s regulations that limit the matchday squad to 23 players. While the head coach had hinted at the omission of two players during his press conference on Friday, he refrained from revealing the identities at the time. It has now been confirmed that the players left out are Zirkzee and Kluivert, both of whom have had fluctuating roles in the national team setup.
Joshua Zirkzee’s exclusion is somewhat surprising, considering his recent involvement in the national team. The 22-year-old forward featured prominently during the last international window, even starting in one of the matches. Against Germany, he was brought on as a substitute, showcasing his versatility and potential as a striker. Despite this, Koeman has opted to leave him out for these fixtures, possibly prioritizing more experienced or in-form players for the Nations League games. Zirkzee, who has been performing well at club level, will no doubt be disappointed but remains a promising prospect for future selections.
On the other hand, Justin Kluivert’s omission might be less surprising given his long absence from the national team. The winger, once considered one of the brightest young talents in Dutch football, last played for the Netherlands six years ago. Since then, his career has seen ups and downs, with stints at clubs across Europe, including AS Roma, RB Leipzig, and Valencia. Recently, Kluivert has found some form, but it appears that Koeman has opted for other attacking options. The decision to leave him out could be seen as a sign that he needs to prove himself consistently at the club level to regain a spot in the national team setup.
Koeman’s final squad includes several high-profile names in attack, signaling his preference for a dynamic and versatile forward line. Donyell Malen, Cody Gakpo, and Noa Lang have all been included, bringing a mix of speed, creativity, and goal-scoring ability. Malen, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, has been in fine form this season, contributing with goals and assists. Cody Gakpo, currently at Liverpool, offers a strong physical presence and has proven himself as a reliable scorer both for club and country. Noa Lang, known for his flair and dribbling skills, provides an additional attacking threat, capable of breaking down defenses with his pace and trickery.
Additionally, the squad features Ajax forwards Brian Brobbey and Wout Weghorst, adding a blend of youth and experience to the attacking options. Brobbey, who has been a standout performer for Ajax, is known for his strength and clinical finishing. His inclusion reflects Koeman’s willingness to invest in young talent, particularly those showing promise in domestic competitions. Wout Weghorst, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience and a different kind of threat with his aerial ability and physical style of play. Weghorst’s versatility makes him a valuable asset, whether starting or coming off the bench as an impact player.
The Netherlands national team is gearing up for two important fixtures in the Nations League, starting with a home game against Hungary on Saturday night. The match will take place at the iconic Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, with kickoff scheduled for 8:45 PM local time. The Dutch fans are expected to fill the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere as the team looks to secure a vital win. Hungary, known for their solid defensive setup and counter-attacking prowess, will pose a challenging test for Koeman’s side, making it essential for the Netherlands to field a strong and cohesive lineup.
Following the match against Hungary, the Dutch team will have a quick turnaround as they prepare to face Bosnia and Herzegovina next Tuesday. This fixture is also crucial for the Netherlands, as they aim to maintain their momentum in the Nations League and secure a spot in the final stages of the competition. Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents, are expected to provide stiff competition. The outcome of these matches will be pivotal for the Netherlands as they seek to build confidence and consistency ahead of future international tournaments.
Koeman’s squad selection reflects a strategic approach, balancing the need to rotate players and manage fatigue while still fielding a competitive team. The decision to rest key players like Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong for parts of the last international window suggests a focus on preserving the fitness of core members. This time, the exclusion of Zirkzee and Kluivert appears to be a tactical move, allowing Koeman to experiment with different attacking combinations and give opportunities to other players.
The absence of Zirkzee and Kluivert could also be seen as a message from Koeman about the standards required to be part of the national team. Both players have shown potential but may need to demonstrate greater consistency and impact at the club level to secure their places in future squads. For Kluivert, in particular, this could be a turning point, as he faces the challenge of re-establishing himself in the international scene after a lengthy absence. Zirkzee, on the other hand, has time on his side and could use this setback as motivation to continue his development and push for a recall.
As the Netherlands prepares for these crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on how Koeman’s selected forwards perform, particularly the younger talents like Brobbey and Lang, who have the chance to make a strong impression. The matches against Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina will provide a valuable opportunity for Koeman to assess his squad’s depth, experiment with tactics, and build momentum ahead of the upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, the Dutch team looks well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead. Koeman’s decisions will be scrutinized, but the potential for a successful international window remains high. The Netherlands has a proud footballing tradition, and the current squad is determined to add to that legacy by performing well in the Nations League and setting the stage for future success.
