Koeman announces Oranje team for upcoming internationals | OneFootball

The Netherlands national team manager, Ronald Koeman has announced the squad for the upcoming fixtures against Ireland and Gibraltar in their qualifying games for Euro 2024. One of the main surprise inclusions in the squad is young Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who gets the call up at just 17 years of age. Koeman is also able to call Cody Gakpo and Teun Koopmeiners back to the national team set-up as both players were injured during the last international break and were unable to take part in the games.

Defenders Micky van de Ven and Matthijs de Ligt are expectedly not included within the squad as a result of their injuries sustained in the past weeks while on duty for their respective clubs. Ian Maatsen was not included in the squad either, most likely as a result of a lack of game time for Chelsea in the past weeks. Even though Brian Brobbey was recently criticised by the national team manager, he will have the opportunity to prove himself again as Koeman does include the Ajax striker in his squad.

Other noticeable inclusions in the squad is that of ex-Ajax player Daley Blind. The 33-year-old has been part of a Girona team who have only lost one game in La Liga all season, to Real Madrid of all teams, and sit at the top of the league above the Spanish giants of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Xavi Simons will hope to continue his impressive start to life in the Bundesliga as he is also recalled by Koeman, it will be interesting to see the set-up that Koeman intends to play in order to create the correct balance within the team.

The Netherlands take on Ireland at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday the 18th of November, then the team travels to Gibraltar on the 21st of November to play the final game of their qualifying campaign.

GBeNeFN | Max Mumford