With Liverpool not in action again until 11 October, should Kopites become adopted Dutch supporters for the next fortnight? Well, for the first time since 1978, the Netherlands have a foreign manager, with Xavi the new head coach of the Oranje.
His first-ever squad features four Liverpool players, so when will Holland be in action, and how can fans keep an eye on this quartet?
Netherlands' September/October UEFA Nations League fixtures
- Thursday 24 September: Germany - Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam. Kick off 7:45pm.
- Sunday 27 September: Serbia - Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade. Kick of 5pm.
- Thursday 1 October: Greece - Toumba Stadium, Thessaloniki. Kick off 7:45pm.
- Sunday 4 October: Serbia - Philips Stadion, Eindhoven. Kick off 7:45pm.
- Note: All kick off times are UK time.
How to watch Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League
In the UK, aside from matches featuring England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, currently there is no broadcaster for the UEFA Nations League.
Around the world, fans can watch Holland games on Fox Sports and fuboTV in the United States, Ziggo Sports in the the Netherlands, beIN SPORTS in Australia, New Zealand and Arab countries, alongside DAZN in Canada, Germany, Japan, Spain and Switzerland.
How important is Virgil van Dijk for Netherlands?
Despite suggesting he could retire from international football, 35 year old Virgil van Dijk has been persuaded by Xavi to continue, with Euro 2028 set to be his last hurrah. In this break, the centre-back will reach 100 caps, assuming he features in all four matches.
This would make van Dijk only the 11th Dutchman to achieve this landmark, hence why the clash with Serbia in Eindhoven could be an historic occasion for him and his family.
How important is Ryan Gravenberch for Netherlands?
Like van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch is likely to be a guaranteed starter for the Netherlands, poised to accumulate a lot of minutes. With Frenkie de Jong sidelined long-term, he will be at the base of midfield, with Tijjani Reijnders, Teun Koopmeiners Joey Veerman and Quinten Timber the most-likely men to be deployed alongside.
How important is Cody Gakpo for Netherlands?
As Memphis Depay has not been called up, Cody Gakpo is the top-scorer in this Netherlands squad. He took his tally to 24 for the Oranje by netting three times during the World Cup. It remains to be seen if Xavi will deploy Gakpo on the left or as a centre-forward but, either-way, he too is set to be a pivotal player for this team.
How important is Jeremie Frimpong for Netherlands?
An emphatic finish from Jeremie Frimpong! 💥
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) June 6, 2024
Alphonso Davies can only shake his head as the Dutch double their lead 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/x2pkAc1p43
In contrast to his club team mates, Jeremie Frimpong is back in the national team set up, having been left out of Ronald Koeman's World Cup roster. Like Arne Slot, and perhaps now Andoni Iraola too, Koeman did not trust the 25 year old as a right-back. In fact, Frimpong's last five international appearances all came as a right-sided attacker.
With Denzel Dumfries, a half fit Jurriën Timber and Lutsharel Geertruida also in the squad, Frimpong is not likely to see many minutes in defence, so it will be interesting to see what Xavi has planned for him.
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