Dreams do come true! For Luciano Valente, the young midfielder from Feyenoord, that dream is now a reality: a first-time call-up to the Netherlands national team! This is huge news as the Oranje gear up for their crucial final World Cup qualifying matches against Lithuania and Poland.
Valente, just 22 years old, made the move to Feyenoord from FC Groningen during the summer transfer window. What's truly impressive is how quickly he's established himself as a key player in Robin van Persie's midfield. To go from a new signing to a national team contender in such a short time speaks volumes about his talent and work ethic. He really seized his chance and made an impact right away.
But Valente isn't the only notable addition to the squad. Lutsharel Geertruida, the Sunderland player, is also back in the fold after being surprisingly left out of the previous qualifiers in September and October. His return provides a boost to the defense. And this is the part most people miss... Geertruida's inclusion comes as a direct replacement for Jeremie Frimpong, who sadly suffered a hamstring injury during Liverpool's commanding 5-1 Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt back in October. It's a tough break for Frimpong, but an opportunity for Geertruida to shine.
The squad list doesn't stop there. We also see the return of established stars like Matthijs de Ligt from Manchester United and Noa Lang, who plays his club football for Napoli. These are players with international experience and a proven track record, adding further depth and quality to the Dutch side.
However, with players coming in, others unfortunately have to make way. AZ Alkmaar's Mexx Meerdink and Inter Milan's Stefan de Vrij have been dropped from the squad by manager Ronald Koeman. Such decisions are always difficult, highlighting the competitive nature of international football. But here's where it gets controversial... Could this be an indication of a change in tactical approach from Koeman, favoring different player profiles? It's a question that's sure to be debated among fans.
The Netherlands faces a critical couple of games. First, they travel to Poland on November 14th to face a team currently sitting second in their qualifying group. This match is HUGE – a win would significantly boost their chances of securing a World Cup spot. Then, on November 17th, they return home to host Lithuania in what will be their final FIFA World Cup qualifier. The pressure is on to deliver a strong performance and guarantee their place at the tournament.
Here's the full squad list for those who are keen to see the complete selection:
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Lutsharel Geertruida (Sunderland), Quilindschy Hartman (Burnley), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton), Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Jerdy Schouten (PSV), Quinten Timber (Feyenoord), Luciano Valente (Feyenoord)
Forwards: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Napoli), Donyell Malen (Aston Villa), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
So, what do you think of Koeman's squad selection? Are there any surprise inclusions or omissions? Do you agree with his choices, especially the dropping of Meerdink and de Vrij? And how confident are you about the Netherlands' chances of qualifying for the World Cup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
