While most of the world cup percipients are trying to lead the sports headlines by picking their WC squad with some or many surprising names, Dutch national soccer team did what they had long been expected, i.e., they still rely on their obvious stars and did nothing to exaggerate the final selection of 23 players. Manager Louis van Gaal had long been predicted to make some changes, especially for those who are either in a recovery period for respective injuries or those who are out of form despite tagging a big name, but 62-year-old Dutch pro did exactly he is known for – picked the best they have. However, the key player who is missing this time is Hamburg’s Rafael van der Vaart who has already been announced by the KNVB to skip the Brazilian event for an injury. Other expected names missing out of the tally are Chelsea’s Patrick van Aanholt, Manchester City’s Karim Rekik, PSV goalie Jeroen Zoet, and Quincy Promes along with duo Jean-Paul Boetius and Tonny Vilhena. It was an emotional morning for the manager when he informed the players they could not make it to the Brazil. He apparently spoke with all the missing players in the final tally and won their confidence for the Brazilian campaign.
If we talk about who’s in the final 23, Netherland side would be heavily depended upon players like Bayern Munich’s center back Arjen Robben, Manchester United’s Robin van Persie, Milan’s Nigel de Jong, and Wesley Sneijder among others. Actually, this selection becomes more high profile with the fact that van Gaal if going to mentor Manchester United after the world cup hence each of his moves would be on the radar of English fans. If we look at who is dominating in the last 23 list, current Eredivisie runner up Feyenoord has provided five players to the national team – maximum for any single side.
Here is the last 23-man Dutch national squad for the 2014 Brazil world cup:
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Tim Krul (Newcastle United).
Defenders: Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Ajax).
Midfield: Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray).
Forward Line: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Memphis Depay (PSV)