Netherlands manager Frank de Boer finalised his 26-man squad for the Euros and a host of players didn’t make the final cut. Players such as Anwar El Ghazi, Hans Hateboer, Rick Karsdorp, Jeremiah St Juste, Kenny Tete and Tonny Vilhena were also dropped. The most notable absentee from the squad apart from the injured Virgil van Dijk is Tottenham’s Steven Bergwijn.
Steven Bergwijn started his Tottenham career with a bang as he scored a crucial goal on his debut against Manchester City in a 2-0 victory. Since then his stay at the North London side has been undesirable to say the least. He has had limited opportunities and has been a shadow of himself at PSV. He registered a goal contribution every other game for the Dutch side, but it has reduced to a goal or assist once in four matches at Tottenham.
The reason for him being dropped is easy to digest as he hasn’t found enough game time this season. However, Steven Bergwijn is a talented individual and would make a difference in a Dutch side that lacks pace in the attacking third. Apart from Memphis Depay, none of their first choice attackers are rapid and Bergwijn would have provided some much needed pace.
Cody Gakpo, who is still uncapped for the national side, was chosen ahead of Steven Bergwijn. Steven Bergwijn will definitely be gutted after showing so much potential during his time at PSV. After this snub, he will have to take a look at where his career is headed.
Netherlands have a fairly easy group and should comfortably reach the knockout phase. A few years ago, they would have been likely candidates to win the Euros but as Virgil van Dijk will be missing this year’s tournament due to his ACL injury, Netherlands can only be considered as underdogs.
Dutch Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen, Tim Krul, Maarten Stekelenburg
Defenders: Nathan Ake, Daley Blind, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries, Jurriem Timber, Patrick van Aanholt, Joel Veltman, Owen Wijndal
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Davy Klaassen, Teun Koopmeiners, Donny van de Beek, Georginio Wijnaldum
Forwards: Steven Berghuis, Luuk de Jong, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen, Quincy Promes, Wout Weghorst
