Netherlands have announced their squad for EURO 2024, and De Jong is a part of it despite injury.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has had a clean look at his squad and has made choices to go further in the tournament compared to the last time.
However, injured Frankie De Jong and former captain Georginio Wijnaldum have been named in the 30-man preliminary squad for the European Championship in Germany.
De Jong has been sidelined for more than a month after picking up an injury and will have to prove his fitness in the meantime, but Wijnaldum makes a return to the national team in March following a nine-month absence after moving to Saudi Arabia.
The Oranje have put the shock last 16 exit to the Czech Republic in the last European Championship behind them and have the perfect blend of youth and experience this time.
as they steer their way to win the tournament since 1988.
In Group D, they face familiar foes France with a tough test against Austria as well, but Koemen’s men should fear no one as they have some fine quality on the pitch as well.
Even though Koeman has previous experience in the tournament, he is still working on fixing the puzzle to have a strong 30-men squad.
Here are the original picks of Koeman.
Netherlands squad for Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers
The Netherlands No.1 position is still with Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, but he only got his chance after the injury of Mark Flekken, who will be very keen to make it back to starting 11 again.
Nick Olij from Sparta Rotterdam has also booked a seat in the plane, after a maiden call-up in October with Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow rounding it up.
Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Mark Flekken (Brentford), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion), Nick Olij (Sparta Rotterdam)
Defenders
Virgil van Dijk leads the ship, including the Netherlands’ quality backline that has Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake.
Inter’s Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind, who is enjoying life at Girona in the last legs of his career will also play a key role to play in Germany.
But there is stiff Competition for starting roles from Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Tottenham’s summer signing Micky van de Ven who returns after making a strong presence at club level.
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Girona FC), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord), Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Ian Maatsen (Borussia Dortmund), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan)
Midfielders
Even though. Frankie De Jong has missed games for nearly a month after an ankle injury manager Ronald Koeman believes he will be back in time to dictate the midfield for the national side. Meanwhile, Jerdy Schouten is also called in after being one of PSV’s standout performers during their run to the top of the Eredivisie.
The Atalanta duo Marten de Roon and Teun Koopmeiners are in for the holding midfield roles, while uncapped Quinten Timber’s versatility at Feyenoord helped keep his place for the Euros.
Moreover, Georginio Wijnaldum has also made the list, despite sudden trade to Saudi Arabia.
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Jerdy Schouten (PSV Eindhoven), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), Quinten Timber (Feyenoord), Joey Veerman (PSV Eindhoven), Georginio Wijnaldum (Al Ettifaq)
Forwards
Known for his practical style of play, Koeman will have Wout Weghorst to fill the position after an underwhelming season at Hoffenheim.
Liverpool‘s Cody Gakpo will play behind Weghorst alongside Paris Saint-Germain starlet Xavi Simons, individual campaign on loan at RB Leipzig was superb.
Memphis Depay is still in the picture after an unpleasant year with Atletico Madrid, who will have Steven Bergwijn from Ajax to provide the ball.
Forwards: Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund), and Wout Weghorst (Hoffenheim).
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