De Jong Is Out: How Does the Netherlands Squad Look Like Going to Euro 2024?

The Dutch national team, fondly nicknamed "Oranje" for their iconic orange jerseys, were dealt a massive blow recently with the news of Frenkie de Jong's injury and his subsequent exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad. De Jong, a world-class midfielder known for his composure, playmaking skills, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, is a huge loss for the Netherlands.

But the Dutch are known for their fighting spirit and their deep talent pool. So, how will they adjust without their midfield maestro, and who might step up to fill the void?

The De Jong-Sized Hole

De Jong's absence leaves a gaping hole in the center of the park. He was the fulcrum of the Dutch attack, seamlessly transitioning from defense to offense with his silky dribbling and intelligent passing. His ability to control the game and dictate the pace will be sorely missed.

Remaining Midfield Options

Despite the loss, the Dutch midfield still boasts some quality players. The experienced duo of Georginio Wijnaldum and Donny van de Beek will shoulder a lot of responsibility. Wijnaldum brings leadership and experience, while van de Beek's technical ability and eye for a pass can be crucial.

However, the burden of orchestrating the attack falls on these remaining players. Coach Ronald Koeman might experiment with a more defensive midfield pivot, with Teun Koopmeiners – who unfortunately suffered a last-minute injury himself – being a potential candidate.

Young Guns Get a Chance

The absence of senior figures could pave the way for exciting youngsters to showcase their talent. Players like Feyenoord's Xavi Simons, known for his creative spark, and PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangaré, a defensive midfielder with a knack for interceptions, could be surprise inclusions.

A Different Approach?

De Jong's absence might force Koeman to rethink his tactics. The Dutch might adopt a more pragmatic approach, relying on counter-attacks and utilizing the pace of wingers like Memphis Depay and Steven Bergwijn.

The Defense and Attack

Despite the midfield concerns, the Dutch squad has strengths in other areas. Virgil van Dijk remains a rock at the back, marshalling a strong defense that includes experienced players like Stefan de Vrij and Daley Blind. Up front, Memphis Depay remains the focal point, with the likes of Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo providing pace and goalscoring threat.

The Road Ahead

The Netherlands have been drawn in a competitive group alongside Belgium, Denmark, and Finland. While De Jong's absence is a major setback, the Dutch squad still has the talent and experience to challenge for a spot in the knockout stages. Their performance will hinge on how effectively they adapt to a De Jong-less midfield and whether the youngsters can rise to the occasion.

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