I'd play 3-4-3 with Ake-Van Dijk-De Ligt in the back, Blind-Propper-Wijnaldum-De Jong in the midfield and Babel-Depay-Promes up front. Babel has proved me wrong so he deserves a starting spot.
I'd be really interested in seeing that as well... it could be an absolute shipwreck but in potential it could also be pretty epic. Problem is i'm not sure when Koeman would have the chance to test something like that.
Koeman hinted on changes as he observed the Orange team having problems to play matches in a short time period. After a great but energy consuming match the next one was a hard one to play. So my guess is he will rest/replace/sub in or out the older players like Babel and Blind.
One new (fresh) attacking option would be welcomed. Can ride on Malen’s euphoria. Or somebody like Berghuis would give a different look to Estonia defense. In midfield, I think Propper for De Roon is sufficient to bolster offense. Imperative to have high-octane wing backs like Dumfries and maybe Van Aanholt (rest Blind) to make the pitch wider and penetrate the parked-bus.
Willems seems to be doing well again in Germany. Could use those passes from the mid line into the box again.
Now watch us barely scrape by a 1-0 victory over Estland. You know how it goes, a great Oranje win is almost always followed up by a complete disaster....LOL
Yep, I can see that coming though it may matter not, a win is a “W”. Oranje owns the H2H against Germany. Just need to do the same with No. Ireland. I think for today, an early goal will calm the nerve, and hopefully a smooth-sailing, stress-free match in the end. I’d call a 5-0 with Depay on the score sheet (twice, at least) in his 50th cap in Oranje shirt.
We saw a glimpse of it when he was used at the 10 against Brazil in 2014...best player on the pitch for that game as well. That said he doesn't become a ghost when he is shifted back. His role changes and he does a lot of other things. Liverpool's defensive record for example is at its best when Wijnaldum is playing the 6; the reality is that he is such an intelligent player that he positively influences the team regardless of where he plays. People just get caught up in flashy things like dribbles or goals without looking at the unheralded work off the ball or in possession before the big actions happen. Wijnaldum is an absolute gem.
Did anyone notice the line up is having a complete refurberated right flank? Opstelling Oranje Cillessen; Veltman, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Blind; Wijnaldum, F. de Jong, Pröpper; Malen, Depay, Babel
Lots of possession but lacking that final move. Depay pretty sloppy tonight. Hoping for a big second half from him Propper has been the worst player for Oranje imo. Just very sloppy with the ball and doesn't process the game quick enough. Had a great chance to send Malen in all alone and didn't even recognize him. Veltman also struggling to make that final pass. Doesn't have the offensive touch to break down the stingy defense. De Jong has been phenomenal once again.
That touch to bring the ball down from Memphis and the run and finish were excellent. Really nice ball over the top from de Ligt also.
In the end an easy win and I see Cillessen did have to make a single save in the match. It really looks like these players enjoy playing with one another which is a real good sign. Germany eased passed Northern Ireland, 0-2.
Cillessen made one save. Was lucky Van Dijk was there to clear away the rebound. Don't blame him for maybe losing a bit of focus as it was kne of the quietest nights he has ever had