Good point but I'd like to see perhaps 2 more friendlies for experimentation, and the remainder for our set team to gel. This will give them roughly the same as EPL players who dont have a winterstop
When you need extra matches for experimentation just before the WC you don't belong there. Also two matches are not going to let our team gel better then the time they'll spend just before the WC. Not even mentioning that EPL players always join their countries tired because they play so much in their league.
I think there's a few positions that need experimenting. Namely midfield, Hunter as a striker and in defense, so I dont see how 2 more games is gonna exhaust the lads.
The top countries never play against each other in the run-up for the world cup. You don't want the competition to get to know you too intimately, it's as simple as that, and the morale thing is important. What Holland usually do is play a couple of decent sides who failed to qualify for the tournament in questions. Nearer the start of the world cup, they typically play against a couple of amateur sides, in Holland but also in the country where they set up camp.
Why would Van Basten experiment at this stage? It ain't broke etc. The system's sorted, as is the attack, and the midfield.
Also take into account there are no friendlies before the official WC squad will be announced. Van Basten probably knows his 23 preferred players already.
Thats my whole point guys, injuries are messing with the squad. vdVaart was out for a while, so was Opdam and Mathijsen. Did I leave anyone else out??
So Castelan or no Castelan? Given that Kuyt is not a true winger and van Persie and Robben are best on the left and Marco wants two players for each position, my hunch is that Castelan goes. He's not quite up to it quality-wise but not sure we have any better options at this point.
--------------------Sar-------------- ?---------Boularouz------Ooijer------Gio Landzaat or Bommel--------Cocu--------Van der Vaart Kuyt-----------------Ruud------------Robben I have a feeling he might end up using Maduro as his right back, that's how ticked off he seems with Kromkamp.
Yeah I pretty much agree with this except I'd like to see vBommel instead of Landzaat, and Maduro would make a fine defender (even a central one IMO). I've never been convinced by Landzaat, I think he's our weak link
Yeah, Castelan definitely benefits with Kalou not coming. Not convinced by Landzaat either. Maduro at RB? Interesting thought - he has the qualities to do it I think
I was under the impression Ooijer had played many times at right-back for PSV in the past. And very successfully I may add.
totally agree. am i the only one who saw the last goal scored against Ajax in Champs League? "someone" didn't defend too well on that one.... and a pressure situation is a pressure situation.
fixed that for you , sorry, but eventhough everybody blamed Lindenbergh for that goal, Maduro lost the ball in midfield and didn't bother tracking back. By the way, i'm now so sick of this defensive midfielder discussion, I say don't use one! play with three attacking midfielders! Bommel, van der Vaart, Cocu apparently though, An oranje scout has been following Wolfsburg. Hoogendorp doesnt have a shot, Hofland is out injured, so theyre probably looking at van der Leegte, who is doing well at wolfsburg.