Koeman has decisions to make!

You all know how I judge friendlies. The Norway one was ok, it was a good game, Norway played a good game too, considering and we were able to see some nice partnerships.

The Equador game was probably useful, due to the shock of the red card and the improvisations we needed to make, but a fun game to watch, it was not. I do like the fact that the guests decided to go in with their legs stretched and studs up, although Arne Slot won’t be happy with Frimpong getting injured.

I think we can make some harsh decisions on some of the players now and slowly but surely get to that 26 player squad.

It seems fair to say that we have some “certains” in our squad. Players that are beyond doubt, even though some might need to step up, still.

Goal keepers: Verbruggen, Roefs, Flekken (in that order).

I found Flekken wanting versus Equador. Too late out of his goal, resulting in the penalty. He had some more insecure moments. At this point, I can’t see Koeman replacing Flekken, but I do think Roefs will be #2.

Defenders: Dumfries, Frimpong, Virgil, Jurrien Timber, JP van Hecke, Mickey van de Ven, Nathan Ake.

I think Ake will be part of the squad due to his experience, personality and quality, even if he doesn’t play too often. Geertruida will need to compete with Hato and Maatsen for a spot, as we have 2 right backs in Frimpong and Dumfries, while Timber can play there as well.

Midfield: Frenkie, Gravenberch, Reijnders, Koopmeiners, Simons, Quinten Timber

Kees Smit and Luciano Valente will be options, but they both will need to show something in this last period of competition games. Based on their runs in Oranje, it’s hard to say, but Koeman will have seen and judged them in training as well.

Attack: Weghorst, Malen, Gakpo, Brobbey, Memphis

For al the players mentioned (you too, Depay!!): they will need to be 100% fit in order to be on the plane. I added Timber, Frenkie and Memphis as they won’t be question marks when fit, but this time around Koeman is not going to bring half fit players hoping to patch them up during the tournament.

So that makes 21 players, 5 more to pick.

5 more players to add?

I think Stefan de Vrij lost his spot. He hardly plays, he is getting on in age and he didn’t do too well versus Equador. It’s harsh, as he has had some top matches under Koeman but there has to be a time of letting him go and I think it’s now.

Geertruida is the obvious choice, as he is multifunctional and can play RB, CB and DM.

I believe a choice between Hato or Maatsen is also sensible. Both can play in multiple roles. My preference would be Maatsen.

In midfield, Joey Veerman will not make the cut. He is not the best midfielder, but Koeman also hinted at his personality traits which can get in the way. Too bad, because there is no better passer than him.

I would personally go for Valente. Schouten is a top player too, and can play RB if needed, but we don’t need that many defensive options. With the aforementioned midfielders, we cover the “neat passer” type. With Q Timber we do have a more adventurous dribbler, and I would add Valente who has the X factor in his passing. Most of our midfielders excel in passes up to 20 meters, Valente can give killer passes of 40 meters or more. He can dribble too and is not the type of guy to create havoc if he doesn’t play. Neither would Schouten by the way.

Up top, I would add Noa Lang as the creative supersub option and probably Summerville if he recovers soon and keeps on dazzling. Summerville has something special that most others lack (Noa Lang comes closest).

Emegha is still not fit, neither is De Ligt. Not sure if both will be able to ready in time. With Brobbey, Malen, Memphis and Weghorst, we do have our strikers, it feels. De Ligt in full fitness form would be a good addition, but I can’t see him ready in time.

There is rumour that Guus Til and Marten de Roon are considered as well. I think Til is too light for the WC level and Marten de Roon – even though he still impresses at Atalanta – will not offer enough football in comparison to the other midfielders.

It feels also that Justin Kluivert will not be ready in time. I don’t think I have seen him in more than 3 games this season. He will need to make a tremendous impact in the final 8 matches (same as Emegha, Meerdink, De Ligt and others).

Tell me your preferences!