The Netherlands are experiencing a crisis in the midfield area as Frenkie de Jong, their best player has been forced to stay out due to an ankle injury for Euro 2024.
The Barcelona midfielder has struggled with reoccurring ankle injuries in recent months, appearing in only three games for the club since March 3.
The 27-year-old was substituted in the first half of Barcelona’s match at Athletic Bilbao in early March and was taken off before halftime on his return to La Liga against Real Madrid on April 21.
Ahead of this year’s competition in Germany, there is a major hole that the Dutch need to fill following such disappointing news.
Who will replace Frenkie de Jong in the Euro 2024 Netherlands squad?
The Dutch squad will sorely miss De Jong whose energetic presence at mid-field has played a pivotal role in their recent games; they must now regroup and adjust without their star playmaker as they search for another solution.
Xavi Simons was expected to fill the void while the former Barcelona manager has now officially announced de Jong’s replacement.
The Borussia Dortmund defender Ian Maatsen will replace the injured Frenkie De Jong as Ronald Koeman attempts to bolster an injury-plagued Dutch side for EURO 2024.
Ian Maatsen has had a fantastic 2023-2024 season following his loan move from Chelsea to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
The 22-year-old has played a key role in Dotmund’s late-season success, earning a spot in the German club’s starting eleven in both the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League. As a result, he has now been called up to compete in the Euro 2024 in Germany.
Now, Holland which was once considered as one of the top contenders will have question marks over their midfield. A poor start could hamper them during Euro 2024 as difficult opponents lie ahead of them in the group phase including Poland, France and Austria.
To make matters worse for coach Ronald Koeman midfielder Teun Koopmeiners will miss the tournament in Germany due to an injury sustained in the Oranje’s final warm-up game against Iceland.
However, Koopmeiners will not be replaced. Thus, leaving the Dutch squad with 25 players according to the association.
Despite the setback, the Dutch remain determined to make their mark in the tournament. As the Dutch prepare to kick off their Euro 2024 campaign, all eyes are on their performance without de Jong. Can they rise to the occasion and prove their mettle?
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