Frenkie de Jong Returns: Will Joey Veerman Retain His Oranje Spot?
Coach Xavi faces a tactical dilemma as De Jong rejoins the Dutch national squad.
1Midfield Selection Dilemma
The Dutch national team gathers in Zeist today for upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Germany. Coach Xavi must decide whether to pair Frenkie de Jong and Joey Veerman in a double-pivot formation or choose one over the other. Both players traditionally occupy the same central defensive midfield role.
2Veerman's Recent Resurgence
Joey Veerman has become a key figure under Xavi, starting three consecutive matches in the previous international window. His performance as a number six provided stability for the defense. Furthermore, his consistent form at Borussia Dortmund, where he played ninety minutes against Elversberg, has solidified his current standing within the squad.
3Tactical Praise in Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac recently praised Veerman for his simplicity and rapid decision-making on the pitch. Kovac highlighted how Veerman positions himself effectively to distribute the ball across the field. This tactical discipline has made him an essential component of the German club's current setup during his recent starting streak.
4Historical Tactical Constraints
Under former coach Ronald Koeman, the combination of De Jong and Veerman was rarely utilized. They shared the pitch for only a brief period during Veerman's debut against Italy in June 2023. Since then, Veerman was primarily viewed as a direct replacement for De Jong rather than a potential partner in midfield.
5De Jong's Return to Fitness
Frenkie de Jong returns to the national team after a lengthy absence caused by a knee injury sustained during the World Cup. Having made his comeback for FC Barcelona in late October, the 70-cap international brings significant experience. Xavi has previously identified him as a crucial player for his specific attacking philosophy.
6Barcelona's Tactical Flexibility
At FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick has deployed De Jong in various unconventional roles, including as a defender and a right-back, due to squad injuries. While this versatility has been praised by Flick, it remains unclear if Xavi intends to utilize De Jong in similar hybrid roles or strictly as a central midfielder.
7Upcoming Nations League Fixtures
The Netherlands faces Greece on November 13 and Germany on November 16. These matches serve as the testing ground for Xavi’s tactical experiments. Fans can follow the team's preparation and the official press conference via NOS livestreams, which will provide insight into the final lineup decisions for these critical international encounters.
8Strategic Outlook for Oranje
The decision to start both players or rotate them will define the team's balance for the upcoming period. While Veerman has proven his worth in the number six role, De Jong’s return offers a different tactical dimension. Xavi’s choice will signal his long-term vision for the Dutch midfield structure moving forward.
Original article: NOS Sport — Frenkie de Jong Returns: Will Joey Veerman Retain His Oranje Spot?