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Our Netherlands predicted lineup vs France focuses on the in-form Xavi Simons, who aims to inspire the Dutch team to a win over the 2022 World Cup finalists at the Johan Cruyff Arena this Friday. A win for Netherlands not only takes them a step closer to achieving Euro 2024 qualification, but also top spot in Group B.
Netherlands predicted lineup vs France
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UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers team news
Ronald Koeman has been short of key personnel in recent weeks, with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt, Memphis Depay and Sven Botman injured. PSV forward Noa Lang and Ajax man Steven Berghuis have also joined them on the inactive roster only this week.
Likewise, Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken will play no part, having been ruled out of the France game due to illness, while midfielder Teun Koopmeiners is also doubtful. Koeman has called up Chelsea youngster Ian Maatsen to replace Berghuis.
Predicted lineup
Bart Verbruggen (GK), Micky van de Ven, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Denzel Dumfries, Tujani Reijnders, Mats Wieffer, Daley Blind, Xavi Simons, Donyell Malen, Wout Weghorst
Netherlands predicted lineup vs France- Our top three
Xavi Simons – Unpredictable winger eager for first goal
Xavi Simons has had an amazing start to his RB Leipzig loan spell. He’s delivered four assists and scored three goals in seven league appearances, absolutely annihilating teams in the Bundesliga. Now, he aims to bring that form to the international level. Simons is still seeking his first goal for the Dutch and aims to get that by tormenting France.
He will likely be marked and hassled by left-back Theo Hernandez, but Simons’ elasticity allows him to break past markers. Now he just needs to be a bit more ruthless with his final product to break his goal duck and get a win for the Netherlands.
Donyell Malen – Versatile star aims to empower the frontline
Donyell Malen is an unpredictable x-factor of the Dutch team, being able to move around freely in the final third. His clever movement and deft final product makes him an important factor in maintaining a threat for the Dutch side.
He will probably face a challenge against sturdy defender Benjamin Pavard, but Malen needs to tap into his ruthless end product to torment France. Malen plays in a free role for Koeman’s side and must use that to destabilise the shape of the French backline and open up goal-scoring space for teammates and himself.
Denzel Dumfries – High-flying wing-back aims to bring creative touch
Dumfries has been on fire for Inter Milan in the early part of the season, having four goal contributions in seven league games so far. He is very clever with his delivery into the box, being able to put in accurate crosses to his teammates in open areas.
He will aim to make his incisive forward runs to stretch the French backline and cause them to make errors. However, Dumfries needs to be on point with his crosses to set up big chances, and also needs to be defensively strong to keep Kylian Mbappe & co quiet.
Will Jeremie Frimpong play against France?
Jeremie Frimpong has been a key part for Bayer Leverkusen being Bundesliga leaders going into the October break. With five goal contributions in seven games, the wing-back is soaring. But with Dumfries having that right wing-back role locked down due to his experience and form, Frimpong is likely to be on the bench.
Netherlands predicted lineup vs France – The final word
Ronald Koeman needs to build on his side’s wins over Greece and Republic of Ireland over a major side to strengthen his job security as Netherlands’ manager. It will be tough given the injuries, but revenge can be a great motivator, and with March’s 4-0 defeat to the French still fresh in the mind, the Oranje will be operating at full tilt.
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