De Jong has been playing CB if you guys haven't noticed. I think he has all the the capability to play the DLP role & he is good with the ball as well which Propper isn't. Propper seems like an upgraded version of Klaassen, lots of running, interceptions & some key goals as well but not just good enough in possession. Ofcourse if someone like Eiting comes up, you could move De Jong a bit more forward where he belongs, but this CB sting is going to ease him into a DLP role. The defense is looking really strong. I wish the same could be said about the attack.
Well, to be honest, our NT is in a really good position for the future in that respect. For the most part the further back on the field you go the more experience you generally need to truly be at the top. Our top defenders are older (except for de Ligt) than our top midfield and forward prospects. Our midfield prospects are somewhat older than our top forward prospects (Bergwijn, Kluivert, Redan). If everything works out we're going to have a huge window in 4 years for about 4 to 8 years where we have almost the perfect balance of experienced, top end defenders mixed with talented, middle aged (in athletics anyway) midfielders with explosive and exciting young attackers. I'm very optimistic about the future of this team as long as these players develop the way that they can!
I am surprised Tete was omitted. Is he injured? Thought he did pretty well last time around. We'll see if Janmaat is any better, I doubt it. Also interesting that Van Ginkel is left behind... should have at least got a look after a fine season and winning the league. Also, how about Jorrit Hendrix? Vormer (and maybe De Ron, too) should make way for the youth. Eljero Elia.. haven't seen that name in a while, he (and Babel) are making comebacks in their 30's. Again, would have rather see young players here, but I quickly checked the U21 team - nobody is worth talking. Glad at least Bergwijn is in.
Koeman left out Kluivert and Til... two promising young players. Instead he invited some oldies, namely Elia, Babel and Vormer (first call-up). Bergwijn injured. Ugh.
Koeman said in an interview he used the last few matches to see what new kids were like and the coming matches as tests for several playing systems and players in that setting to prepare for the NatLeague matches. So I guess he selected the players with a specific system in mind. And Kluivert hasnot been very good the last matches for Ajax. Vormer is Belgian champion and player of the year. Nice that the kids left out are talented, but the Orange team is about performance not development. That's the business of the club and the Uxx teams.
Sorry but we will not build anything good with players like Vormer and Elia. I found Kluivert very good at the end of the season. He scored goals against Az and Excelsior. Do you watch matches Feyenoordsoccerfan?
I do and I like Kluivert alot, but he wasnot good in the last matches and I think the ratings he got show it.
Yes, I agree in principle with this statement for competitive matches... but for meaningless friendlies, I would rather see the young players get extended playing time. Get them in the right mindset, build their confidence, and let them making the dumbest mistakes when results are irrelevant. Not sure what's the upside having somebody like Elia... an injury-prone 31+ years old playing for an obscure club. Maybe Koeman wanted to make a bold statement to Kluivert to get his situation sorted out.
Koeman made it clear there are no meaningless friendlies (echo's of BvMarwijk message to his players that players who consider friendlies meaningless find themselves at home. Winners mentality raises from winning everything.) and he uses them to prepare for the NatLeague battles.
Brenet has signed with Hoffenheim: https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/2077153/psv-er-brenet-tekent-bij-hoffenheim
Slovak keeper is really good. Does anyone like that yellow tiger stripe along the shoulders of the Oranje uniform?? Because I don't