Three years ago, the Oranje were eliminated in the round of 16, but they now possess the necessary resources to advance even further in the competition.
The Netherlands may not be seen as one of the top contenders for Euro 2024, but they should definitely be considered as dark horses under the leadership of Ronald Koeman. Koeman successfully guided them to a second-place finish in their qualifying group, just behind France. Taking over from Louis van Gaal, Koeman inherited a talented squad that had impressed with their run to the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. With this foundation, he is confident of achieving even greater success in Germany this summer.
The Oranje have made significant progress since their unexpected defeat in the last-16 stage of the previous European Championship. They now boast a perfect blend of young and experienced players, which puts them in a strong position to compete for the title, something they last achieved in 1988.
The Netherlands will have another challenging match against France in Group D, while also being tested by Austria. Despite this, Koeman’s team should be confident in their abilities as they have quality players in every position. And Koeman has revealed his plans for the tournament by selecting a solid 30-man provisional squad. Even though there will be some players left out, the coach has a strong foundation to build upon.
GOALKEEPERS
Bart Verbruggen, the current goalkeeper for Brighton, currently holds the prestigious No.1 jersey for the Netherlands national team. However, his position is far from secure. Verbruggen was given the opportunity to showcase his skills under Koeman last year when Mark Flekken suffered an injury. Despite this, there is still a possibility that the talented Brentford shot-stopper, Flekken, could potentially claim the coveted spot.
On the other hand, Nick Olij from Sparta Rotterdam earned his place on the national team after receiving his first-ever call-up in October. Completing the four-man setup is Justin Bijlow from Feyenoord.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Justin Bijlow | Feyenoord |
| Mark Flekken | Brentford |
| Nick Olij | Sparta Rotterdam |
| Bart Verbruggen | Brighton |
DEFENDERS
Led by Virgil van Dijk, the Netherlands boast a wealth of defensive talent, with Nathan Ake likely to partner the Liverpool star following an impressive season at Manchester City.
Inter’s Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind, who is currently excelling at La Liga side Girona, were instrumental in the Oranje’s successful Euros qualifying campaign and will have significant roles to play in Germany.
Competition for starting spots will be intense, as Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Tottenham’s recent acquisition Micky van de Ven are also making strong cases with their club performances.
Unfortunately, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber will not be part of the squad. Despite hopes of a return after an ACL injury in the 2023-24 Premier League season, Koeman has decided to keep the versatile defender at home.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Nathan Ake | Manchester City |
| Daley Blind | Girona |
| Matthijs de Ligt | Bayern Munich |
| Stefan de Vrij | Inter |
| Denzel Dumfries | Inter |
| Jeremie Frimpong | Bayer Leverkusen |
| Lutsharel Geertruida | Feyenoord |
| Ian Maatsen | Borussia Dortmund |
| Micky van de Ven | Tottenham |
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool |
MIDFIELDERS
Frenkie de Jong, who has been out of action for almost a month due to an ankle injury, will not be able to play for Barcelona for the remainder of the season. However, the Netherlands’ coach, Koeman, has made the decision to bring him back in time for the Euros, where he will play a crucial role in dictating the tempo in midfield. Assisting him will be Jerdy Schouten, who has impressed as one of PSV’s top performers during their successful campaign in the Eredivisie and Champions League.
In addition, the Atalanta duo of Marten de Roon and Teun Koopmeiners can also fill in the holding midfield positions if needed. Furthermore, Quinten Timber, who has showcased his versatility at Feyenoord, has earned his place in Koeman’s squad for the Euros after being included in the March friendly games against Scotland and Germany.
Interestingly, Georginio Wijnaldum has also been included in the squad, despite now playing in Saudi Arabia. His experience as a former Liverpool midfielder could prove invaluable if the Dutch team progresses to the later stages of the tournament. Completing the midfield lineup is Ryan Gravenberch, adding further intrigue to the Dutch team’s midfield options.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona |
| Marten de Roon | Atalanta |
| Ryan Gravenberch | Liverpool |
| Teun Koopmeiners | Atalanta |
| Tijjani Reijnders | AC Milan |
| Jerdy Schouten | PSV |
| Quinten Timber | Feyenoord |
| Georginio Wijnaldum | Al-Ettifaq |
FORWARDS
Ronald Koeman is recognized for his practical approach to playing, often preferring a lone striker, with Wout Weghorst from Burnley expected to take up that role despite a somewhat disappointing season at Hoffenheim.
Cody Gakpo from Liverpool is expected to play just behind Weghorst, alongside Xavi Simons from Paris Saint-Germain, who has had an outstanding season on loan at RB Leipzig.
Memphis Depay remains in contention despite a challenging season at Atletico Madrid, while Steven Bergwijn also secures a spot in the squad despite facing difficulties at Ajax this year.
| Name | Club |
|---|---|
| Steven Bergwijn | Ajax |
| Brian Brobbey | Ajax |
| Memphis Depay | Atletico Madrid |
| Cody Gakpo | Liverpool |
| Donyell Malen | Borussia Dortmund |
| Xavi Simons | RB Leipzig |
| Wout Weghorst | Hoffenheim |
EXPECTED XI
There is a high probability that Koeman will maintain the three at the back formation, and Stefan de Vrij is expected to be chosen over Van de Ven and Matthijs de Ligt due to his experience. Van Dijk and Ake are almost guaranteed to start.
Dumfries, the dynamic Inter wing-back, impressed at the 2022 World Cup with his attacking runs, which will be vital once again. De Jong will provide stability in midfield, while Koeman will rely on Simons and Gakpo for creativity in the attacking third.
Weghorst is likely to retain his role as the Netherlands’ target man, using his physicality to play direct football and capitalize on the team’s wide options.
Netherlands XI (3-4-2-1): Verbruggen; De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, Schouten, De Jong, Blind; Simons, Gakpo; Weghorst.
NOTABLE ABSENTEES
Prior to the squad announcement for the Euros, only two Dutch players were completely ruled out of contention. The first is Sven Botman, who unfortunately suffered an ACL injury while playing for Newcastle in March. Even without the injury, Botman’s chances of making the squad were uncertain due to the Netherlands’ strong center-back options. However, his absence has now been confirmed as he focuses on his comeback in 2025.
Another player who will be absent in Germany is Feyenoord’s Quilindschy Hartman. He sustained a serious knee injury during the club’s 4-2 Eredivisie victory over Utrecht on March 31. The 22-year-old left-back has been ruled out for the rest of the season and will not be able to participate in the Euros. This news comes as a significant setback, especially considering the reported interest he has been receiving from several Premier League clubs.
In addition to these two major injuries, Jurrien Timber’s omission from the squad is also somewhat surprising. The Arsenal player was expected to be nearing full fitness and could have potentially played a role for Koeman’s team in the tournament. Similarly, despite an impressive campaign for Bologna, former Bayern striker Joshua Zirkzee will also be staying at home.
| Name | Club | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sven Botman | Newcastle | Injury |
| Quilindschy Hartman | Feyenoord | Injury |
| Jurrien Timber | Arsenal | Not Selected |
| Joshua Zirkzee | Bologna | Not Selected |
