Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has taken a bold move by including injured Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the preliminary squad for the European Championship in Germany. Despite not having played for almost a month due to an ankle injury, De Jong will be given the opportunity to prove his fitness before the final squad is announced on May 29.
Another surprising inclusion in the squad is former captain Georginio Wijnaldum, who made a comeback to the national team in March after a nine-month absence. The 33-year-old Saudi Arabia-based midfielder adds experience and leadership to the team, providing a valuable asset on and off the field.
Lead forward Memphis Depay, who has struggled with injuries and has been limited to just four appearances for the national team since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, has also been named in the squad. His presence will be crucial in the attack, but his fitness and form will be closely monitored in the lead-up to the tournament.
Several young players have been given the opportunity to represent their country on the big stage. Liverpool trio of defender Virgil van Dijk, midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, and striker Cody Gakpo have all made the cut, with Gravenberch returning to the national team after over a year. Their inclusion reflects Koeman’s trust in the next generation of Dutch talent.
While the preliminary squad features a mix of experienced and young players, some notable names are missing from the list. Winger Noa Lang, full-back Jurrien Timber, defensive midfielder Mats Wieffer, and striker Joshua Zirkzee have all been left out. Koeman will have to make tough decisions to trim the squad to the required 26 players before the tournament kicks off.
The Netherlands have scheduled warm-up matches against Canada and Iceland before their opening game against Poland in Hamburg on June 16. With France and Austria also in their Group D at the finals, Koeman will have to ensure that his squad is ready to face tough competition in one of Europe’s biggest football tournaments.
The preliminary squad announcement has set the stage for an exciting and competitive European Championship for the Netherlands. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents, the Dutch team will look to make an impact at the tournament and showcase the rich footballing tradition of the country. Koeman’s selections have laid the foundation for a strong team, but it will be the performances on the pitch that ultimately determine their success in Germany.