In the first podcast episode of 2021, we take a look ahead to the Netherlands’ first matches of the year.
Before they do so though, Finley Crebolder and Peter McVitie first share their thoughts on Frank de Boer’s first five matches in charge and agree that, while they weren’t perfect, there are reasons to be cheerful.
They then dive into their analysis of the squad for the matches against Turkey, Latvia and Gibraltar, starting with the goalkeepers. Maarten Stekelenburg is back, and that’s a good thing. However, is it a concern that we have the same keepers now that we did in 2013?
After that, the pair then discuss the defenders that De Boer has chosen. Is De Ligt/Blind a good pairing? Should Kenny Tete start ahead of Denzel Dumfries? And how great is it that Owen Wijndal seems to have that LB spot nailed down?
Attention then turns to the midfield. Frenkie de Jong and Gini Wijnaldum are undisputed starters, but the third spot in the midfield is still a cause for concern. Davy Klaassen or Marten de Roon will probably play, but should Ryan Gravenberch get the nod?
In terms of the attacking options, it’s a mixed bag. Finley and Peter both love a front three of Malen, Memphis and Berghuis, but just can’t figure out why Ryan Babel and Luuk de Jong make the cut while Wout Weghorst sits at home.
Once the squad selection has been dissected, the episode ends with some predictions for how Oranje will get on in the new few weeks.
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