Van Hanegem: ‘The Netherlands has made the Orange player too big’
Willem van Hanegem draws the inevitable conclusion in his column for the Algemeen Dagblad today, following the difficult victory over Qatar (0-2). Memphis Depay, among others, is a talking point for The Curve.
Van Hanegem wonders who can still make a difference for the Dutch in the knockout phase. “Because Steven Bergwijn will not be removed from the team for nothing. He often decided duels in qualifying. So it must come from others. That is also the reason that Louis van Gaal, in addition to winning the matches, has made preparing Memphis Depay a spearhead.”
“I think that is a bit exaggerated myself and I also think that we have made it a bit too big in the meantime. A great player when he is fit, but now it also seems that everything will depend on him. His raids in Qatar were very difficult and the starting place against Qatar failed in terms of game, just not in terms of minutes.”
Simons, Gakpo
Van Hanegem ‘can hardly imagine that that level will be reached again soon’. “So you also have to look at guys who have the ability to decide something. Van Gaal, for example, has discussed Xavi Simons extensively in the run-up to Qatar. So let him invade a competition that has already been dragged in and in which we could use some open-mindedness. Now he may have to make his debut in the knockout phase on Saturday, if Louis allows him time. So we all watch Cody Gakpo.”
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Football World Cup Final
Opportunities succeeded to change. Last updated December 1, 2022 00:38.