Netherlands national team likely to face Hungary: Koeman chooses between Brobbey and Zirkzee | Football zone

Mart van Mourik10th October 2024, 23:56

Last Updated: October 10, 2024, 11:58 PM

Ronald Koeman’s final press conference before the Nations League match against Hungary is over. The media present were particularly uncertain about the choices made by the national coach at the forefront of the Dutch national team, but the selector kept his jaw tight. Nine of the eleven positions appear to be fixed.

In the third group game, the Netherlands visit Hungary, who lost 5-0 to Germany and drew 1-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dutch team managed to win 5-2 against the last opponent, and the home game with the Germans remained in the balance: 2-2.

During the international break, Koeman does not (yet) have access to a large number of players who are injured or not fit enough to be completely available. Apart from Frenkie de Jong, who has just recovered, Nathan Aké, Teun Koopmeiners, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jerdy Schouten, Jurriën Timber, Joey Veerman and Wout Weghorst are also absent.

video-player"/>

No surprises are expected on the goal. Koeman is confident of the qualities of Bart Verbruggen, who has performed well in previous Nations League matches. An urgent change is being made in defense due to the absence of Nathan Aké.

Denzel Dumfries looks certain to play in the right back position, while Stefan de Vrij and Virgil van Dijk will be central to the defence. De Vrij was a regular at the back during Germany’s European Championships, but was missing from the previous international series due to injury. He returns to the team at the expense of Matthijs de Ligt. Micky van de Ven is the ideal man to replace Aké at left back.

Koeman will also have to move a bit in midfield due to Schouten’s absence. Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders seem assured of their places. Of the remaining midfielders, Quinten Timber, who has had an excellent few weeks at Feyenoord, is the main candidate to fill the void in midfield.

In addition, there is a good chance that Cody Gakpo will retain his place at left-back and Xavi Simons will be in the right-wing position. Koeman didn’t want to say anything about the striker’s position, but given Brian Brobbey’s impressive performance against Jonathan Tah last time out against Germany, there’s a good chance he’ll opt for the same battle plan. That would mean that Zirkzee will play against the Hungarians.

The Dutch national team is expected to be: a bridge; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Wood, Reijnders; Simons, Sirkzee, Gakpo.