Koeman surprises: Starting lineup for the Netherlands national team against Sweden announced
1 min readRonald Koeman has announced his lineup for the second World Cup match against Sweden. The national team coach, in Houston, selects Brian Brobbey as the striker, which means there is one change compared to the opening match against Japan. Frenkie de Jong appears at kick-off despite physical concerns.
Brobbey is given preference over Crysencio Summerville, who against Japan still started in the lineup and was immediately accurate. The Sunderland forward will have to settle for a place on the bench against Sweden. Brobbey came on in the first group match as a substitute.
The biggest question beforehand was about De Jong's availability. The midfielder collided hard earlier this week during a training session with Quinten Timber and suffered a mild concussion in the process. As a result, Timber is absent from the match squad for the clash with Sweden.
Koeman hinted during the press conference ahead of the match that De Jong’s participation was uncertain, but the playmaker has recovered sufficiently to take his place at kickoff. Just like against Japan, he will form the midfield of the Netherlands together with Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders.
Up front, Brobbey receives support from Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo. Memphis starts from the bench.
Netherlands lineup against Sweden: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Reijnders, De Jong; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo.
Comments4
Midfield control has to be the priority, because without it teams just overload the half-spaces. Tbh if the article is right about the wing rotations, then we should see more 1-2s and less crossing into traffic. Otherwise it turns into "hope and pray" football.
I think the whole PSV setup looks better when the full-backs overlap with intent, not just to keep possession. If they only recycle side to side, it kills the speed in the final third. Goated performance from the rotation though, especially late on. ⚽🔥
If PSV really want to press higher, they need those midfield distances fixed, otherwise it turns into a walk for the opponent. Tbh Gakpo has to be more disciplined off the ball, not just waiting for the pass. 👀
If PSV really went for that higher pressing in the article, i love it. Memphis looked most dangerous when they won it back in midfield, thats where the match swings. Still not sure the back line stays brave for 90 mins though.