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UEFA Euro 2020 is right around the corner and the excitement has now hit fever pitch with all the nations having announced their squads for the tournament.
The Netherlands have named an exciting team, although there are still question marks about manager Frank de Boer.
Playing three at the back is a possibility, keeping in mind the personnel at the disposal of de Boer.
It is a strong squad capable of defeating any opposition on their day. However, the Netherlands remain an inconsistent unit and will have to be at their very best at Euro 2020 to progress to the later stages.
With two starters in the form of Valencia goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk not available, the pressure will be on senior pros like Daley Blind, Georginio Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay to produce the goods.
We look at the strongest possible starting XI for the Netherlands at UEFA Euro 2020.
How the Netherlands can line up at the Euros
Goalkeeper- Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax)
The axing of Valencia goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen from the Netherlands squad for Euro 2020 due to COVID-19 will mean that one of Ajax's Maarten Stekelenburg and Norwich City's Tim Krul will start for the Netherlands at the tournament.
Stekelenburg is a veteran goalkeeper and is currently in his second stint at Ajax. Initially a backup to Andre Onana, the 38-year old has been Ajax's no.1 since Onana's 12-month ban. Stekelenburg is highly experienced, having played for the likes of Roma, Fulham and Everton.
The former AS Monaco man, who made 282 appearances in all competitions for Ajax in his first spell, made 12 starts in the Eredivisie this season. With Onana likely to depart in the summer, Stekelenburg looks set to play next season as the starting goalkeeper for Ajax.
Other options: Tim Krul (Norwich City), Marco Bizot (AZ Alkmaar)
Also Read: UEFA Euro 2020: Top 5 contenders to win the tournament
Centre-back- Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus)
The absence of Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk from the Netherlands squad means that the pressure on young Matthijs de Ligt will increase significantly.
De Ligt joined Juventus after an excellent 2018/19 Ajax season for a fee of £77 million. Juventus endured a poor season this time around, but de Ligt was one of the better performers for the Old Lady. A physically gifted, ball-playing centre-back, the 21-year old is excellent aerially.
The Netherlands international will be an important player at Euro 2020 for the Netherlands. His ability on the ball could prove to be essential.
Centre-back- Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan)
One of the most underrated centre-backs in the world, Stefan de Vrij was a crucial cog of the Inter Milan side which won Serie A this season and will be in contention for a starting spot at Euro 2020.
The 29-year-old, who joined Inter Milan on a free transfer after his contract with Lazio expired, was a consistent presence as Antonio Conte's side comfortably won the league. De Vrij made 32 league appearances for Inter Milan, scoring one goal.
While his passing might not be as good as Matthijs de Ligt or Daley Blind, de Vrij is an intelligent centre-back who is also strong defensively. The former Feyenoord man is well-versed with a three-at-the-back system and his experience will be crucial for manager Frank de Boer at Euro 2020.
Centre-back- Daley Blind (Ajax)
Daley Blind, like Stefan de Vrij, is one of the most underrated footballers in Europe, and it is good news for the Netherlands that he has recovered from his injury just before Euro 2020.
A good reader of the game who is excellent on the ball, Blind's calmness and composure will be key for the Dutch, especially with van Dijk's absence. Also, the 31-year-old is left-footed, which is certainly a useful attribute to have.
Blind, who made 23 league appearances for Ajax this season, is a highly versatile footballer. Capable of playing as a centre-back, left-back and in defensive midfield, the former Manchester United man will likely start for the Netherlands at Euro 2020.
Other options: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Joel Veltman (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jurrien Timber (Ajax)
Also Read: UEFA Euro 2020: 5 biggest stars left out of France's squad
Right wing-back- Denzel Dumfries (PSV Eindhoven)
A strong, attacking right-back, Denzel Dumfries looks set to start as the right wing-back for the Netherlands at Euro 2020.
With Frank de Boer deciding against taking Fulham's Kenny Tete, Atalanta's Hans Hateboer and Roma's Rick Karsdorp, Dumfries is the Netherlands' only recognised right wing-back, while Joel Veltman can operate there if necessary.
The 25-year-old made 30 league appearances for PSV Eindhoven this season, scoring two goals and providing six assists. Dumfries has been linked with Arsenal and Newcastle United in recent weeks.
Central midfielder- Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
If the Netherlands are to be successful at Euro 2020, much will rely on the performances of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong.
De Jong joined Barcelona from Ajax for a fee of £77.4 million in 2019. Regarded as one of the best young midfielders in world football, the 24-year-old is a world-class passer as well as a technically gifted player. His dribbling ability in congested midfield spaces has been appreciated, while his ability to act as an auxiliary centre-back when needed highlights his tactical versatility.
The midfielder made 37 La Liga appearances for Barcelona this season, scoring three goals and providing four assists. De Jong is a definite starter for the Netherlands at Euro 2020.
Central midfielder- Marten de Roon (Atalanta)
Atalanta have been applauded across Europe for their attacking style of play, but the contributions of Marten de Roon in midfield have been extremely vital to Gian Piero Gasperini's side.
Premier League fans might be aware of de Roon after his stint with Middlesbrough, which ended in relegation. Currently in his second spell with Atalanta, the 30-year-old is one of the best defensive midfielders in Serie A and he will be keen to carry his Atalanta form to Euro 2020.
De Roon has divided opinion among the Netherlands fans, but his defensive acumen will be a key component of Oranje's midfield at Euro 2020.
Central midfielder- Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)
One of the most experienced members of the Netherlands Euro 2020 squad, Georginio Wijnaldum's role at Liverpool and for the Dutch senior side are different, to say the least.
An attacking presence for the Netherlands, Wijnaldum has shown impressive goalscoring form at international level. The 30-year-old, who looks set to join Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona this summer, has scored 12 goals in 21 international appearances for the Netherlands since 2019.
Wijnaldum has been ever-present at Liverpool since his arrival, making 237 appearances in all competitions. The former Feyenoord man will have to take on a leadership role at Euro 2020.
Left wing-back- Owen Wijndal (AZ Alkmaar)
AZ Alkmaar's squad is filled with exciting young talent, with left-back Owen Wijndal being one such player.
A product of the AZ Alkmaar academy, Wijndal has enjoyed an impressive spell with the AZ Alkmaar first-team. A creative left-back, Wijndal specialises in attacking play, and as a left wing-back his offensive attributes could really come to the fore at Euro 2020.
The 21-year old is highly-rated, and it is unlikely that he will be at AZ Alkmaar for long. Ajax and Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Wijndal, whose value will sky-rocket if he impresses at Euro 2020.
Other options: Donny van de Beek (Manchester United), Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace)
Also Read: UEFA Euro 2020: 5 biggest stars left out of Spain's squad
Forward- Memphis Depay (Lyon)
Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum could soon be Frenkie de Jong's teammates at club level, with both players set to join Barcelona this summer.
Depay is the Netherlands' attacking superstar. A poor stint with Manchester United saw Depay move to Lyon in January 2017 for £14.4 million. Here the forward has shone, with his incredible attacking displays once again attracting interest from across Europe.
The 27-year-old has made 178 appearances in all competitions for the French giants, scoring 76 goals and providing 55 assists. Depay will be one of the first names on the teamsheet for the Netherlands at Euro 2020.
Forward- Wout Weghorst (Wolfsburg)
A looming, physical centre-forward, Wout Weghorst has been one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga since his arrival.
The 28-year-old joined Wolfsburg from AZ Alkmaar in 2018 for £9.4 million and has proved to be a shrewd acquisition. Weghorst has made 120 appearances in all competitions for Wolfsburg, scoring 63 goals and providing 21 assists.
Weghorst's tall frame and physical qualities will be extremely useful for the Netherlands at Euro 2020. Capable of playing as a target-man, the former Heracles Almelo striker is an energetic footballer who could prove to be a good foil for Memphis Depay at Euro 2020.
Other options: Steven Berghuis (Feyenoord), Luuk de Jong (Sevilla), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moscow), Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven), Donyell Malen (PSV Eindhoven)
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Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for France | UEFA Euro 2020
