Netherlands World Cup Squad – Robben A Huge Doubt

There were no surprise inclusions in Bert Van Marwijk’s Dutch squad. The former Feyenoord coach announced his 23 man World Cup squad on the 27th of May; the squad included the usual World Class names such as Wesley Sneijder, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben. However only days ago the Bayern Munich winger suffered a hamstring injury, meaning that Robben could well be sidelined for this month’s World Cup.

Coach Bert Van Marwijk has called upon Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg as his number 1 choice. The 27 year old has been handed the number 1 shirt for this summer’s World cup, while Michel Vorm and the inexperienced Twente keeper Sander Boschker make up the goalkeeping numbers.

In the defensive department, former Arsenal left-back Giovanni Van Bronckhorst will captain the side; also Van Bronckhorst will call time on his footballing career after the World Cup. Everton centre back Johnny Heitinga has been rewarded with a call-up, aswell as fellow centre back partner Joris Mathijsen. However all eyes will be on young and upcoming right-back Gregory Van der Wiel, there is big expectations on the Ajax youngster, but does he have the guts and determination to perform on the big stage?

Young Talent Gregory Van der Wiel

There will be a massive competition between the Dutch midfielders this summer, the centre midfield partnership is up for grabs aswell as the attacking midfield roles, which will most likely be occupied by Sneijder or Van Der Vaart. However the defensive midfielders will need to perform perfectly in a positive manner to avoid being dropped. Experienced Mark Van Bommel and Nigel De Jong will most likely pair alongside each other, however Demy De Zeeuw and Stijn Schaars will also be in the mix.

Holland will most likely field a 4-3-3, with two wingers either side of the first choice striker. Robin Van Persie will lead the line of attack while Bert Van Marwijk has a choice of Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel, Eljero Elia and maybe a fit enough Arjen Robben to play in the wide roles. The Netherlands also have Ac Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to choose from, the Flying Dutchman will field a very attacking side at this summer’s World Cup, while the defence is also resililently strong. Holland will undoubtedly be one of the favourites to lift the prestigious trophy.

Can Van Persie win the golden boot?

Holland Squad In Full…

Goalkeepers – Maarten Stekelenburg, Michel Vorm, Sander Boschker

Defenders – Gregory Van der Wiel, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Khalid Boulahrouz, Andre Ooijer, Edson Braafheid

Midfielders – Mark Van Bommel, Nigel De Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Demy De Zeeuw, Stijn Schaars, Ibrahim Afellay, Rafael Van der Vaart

Strikers – Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben, Eljero Elia, Ryan Babel, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar