In a major boost for the Netherlands national team, star midfielder Frenkie de Jong is set to make his long-awaited return to international football in Saturday’s Nations League clash against Hungary in Amsterdam. The 25-year-old Barcelona playmaker has been sidelined for a staggering 14 months due to a persistent ankle injury that forced him to miss the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
De Jong’s last appearance for the Oranje came in a European Championship qualifier against Ireland over a year ago. His prolonged absence has been a significant blow for the Dutch, who have sorely missed his creativity, vision, and composure in the middle of the park. However, after making his comeback for Barcelona on October 1st, the stage is set for De Jong to reclaim his place in Ronald Koeman’s starting lineup.
Koeman Confident in De Jong’s Readiness
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman expressed his confidence in De Jong’s fitness and readiness to contribute. Despite initial concerns after the midfielder was substituted due to a shin injury during Barcelona’s recent loss to Real Sociedad, Koeman believes De Jong will be available for selection.
“It was his shin, not his ankle. He will be there on Tuesday and we assume that he can play on Saturday,” Koeman stated, allaying fears of another setback for the talented playmaker.
The Dutch tactician went on to emphasize De Jong’s importance to the team, even if he may not be at his absolute best given his lengthy layoff.
“Frenkie de Jong is a certainty for selection if he is fit. But he has been out for a long time, he has not played a full match yet. Then you are not at your best yet, but he remains important for us.”
Competition for Midfield Spots
While De Jong’s return is a massive boost, Koeman acknowledged the fierce competition for places in the Netherlands’ midfield. The emergence of talented youngsters such as Tijjani Reijnders, Ryan Gravenberch, and Teun Koopmeiners has given the Dutch coaching staff a welcome selection headache.
“We have many possibilities in midfield. [Tijjani] Reijnders and [Ryan] Gravenberch and [Teun] Koopmeiners also stand out. That is a luxurious problem that is nice for a coach. Working with great players,” Koeman admitted.
Depay Still Sidelined
While the Netherlands eagerly await De Jong’s comeback, they will have to make do without the services of star forward Memphis Depay. The 28-year-old, who recently joined Brazilian club Corinthians, has not featured for his country since the European Championships and is still working his way back to full fitness.
“Memphis is not good enough and fit enough in my opinion. If there is one player I have regular contact with, it is Memphis. We have talked about his situation. If he continues like this, he will come into the picture in March,” Koeman revealed.
Depay’s absence is undoubtedly a blow for the Netherlands, but it also presents an opportunity for other attacking talents to step up and make their mark. With the likes of Steven Bergwijn, Cody Gakpo, and Donyell Malen waiting in the wings, the Dutch will be hoping to find the right combination to unlock Hungary’s defense.
A Crucial Clash Against Hungary
Saturday’s Nations League encounter against Hungary carries significant weight for the Netherlands. A victory would not only solidify their position at the top of their group but also provide a timely boost in confidence ahead of the upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
For Frenkie de Jong, the match represents a long-awaited opportunity to remind everyone of his immense talent and importance to the Dutch national team. After a frustrating year on the sidelines, the midfield maestro will be determined to make up for lost time and help propel his country to success.
As the Netherlands prepare to welcome back one of their key players, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if De Jong can rediscover the form that made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football. If he can hit the ground running and recapture his pre-injury magic, the Oranje’s prospects for the coming months will look all the brighter.
