Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong has been left out of the Netherlands’ World Cup squad.
Frimpong was considered a first choice under Ronald Koeman when he left Bayer Leverkusen for Anfield during the summer transfer window. However, the £29.5 million signing has struggled to impress – or stay injury-free – during his first season on Merseyside. He only has two assists in 30 games in the Premier League and Champions League.
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Frimpong has also not completed 90 minutes more than twice since the international break in March, and he has only played two games for his country since October. Therefore, Koeman has decided to leave the 25-year-old out, while at the same time he has chosen to include Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber.
Timber gets the chance to show their form
The 24-year-old has not played for Arsenal since suffering an ankle injury in a Premier League match against Everton on March 14. Still, with the versatile defender at full speed towards getting ready for Saturday’s Champions League final, Koeman has opted to include him in the squad.
As many as 15 players from the Premier League have been selected, including six of the seven defenders.
Gravenberch “steps up” – Gakpo also included
Liverpool player Ryan Gravenberch is the most prominent name in midfield, while teammate Cody Gakpo – who is in poor form – has been selected among the attackers.
The unknown Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs has been picked as the third goalkeeper.
Among those who might have expected a place, Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij and Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida are probably the ones who have the most reason to feel passed over.
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NETHERLANDS WORLD CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Bart Verbruggen, Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs
Defenders:
Nathan Aké, Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jurriën Timber, Micky van de Ven
Midfielders:
Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong, Teun Koopmeiners, Noa Lang, Tijjani Reijnders, Marten de Roon, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Mats Wieffer
Attackers:
Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Justin Kluivert, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst
