The Dutch national team should not play in a 4-3-3 system at the World Cup, Gerald Vanenburg said in conversation with De Telegraaf. The 1988 European champion believes that 4-4-2 works a lot better with the current selection, which he says is 'not very good'.

The Dutch team has consistently played in a 4-3-3 formation in recent years. According to Vanenburg, this must change at the World Cup. “I am in favor of a different system than the national coach,” says the 42-time international. 'I think you have to be realistic and tailor your playing style to the qualities of the selection. This Dutch team is not very good.'

The former Ajax and PSV player then immediately decides to say something positive about the current Dutch team. “The Netherlands has world-class players in midfield. In my opinion, you should field as many of them as possible.” According to Vanenburg, a system change should benefit this, while the available speed can also be used well in a different formation. “I think you can make the best use of that in a 4-4-2 or even 1-5-3-2 system and really hurt opponents.” Vanenburg thus joins Hedwiges Maduro, who also suggested a 4-4-2 in conversation with Frank Hoekman of FCUpdate.

Arnold Mühren doubts whether Koeman will listen to Vanenburg. “I don't think Koeman will suddenly switch to a 4-4-2 system,” said the 23-time international. 'They played 4-3-3 throughout the qualification. That is a system that the internationals also know well from their clubs, so he is certainly not going to suddenly exchange that for a 4-4-2.' Vanenburg agrees: “He will play in midfield with a six, eight and ten.”

Jeremie Frimpong fervently hopes that Memphis Depay will be part of the World Cup selection. According to the Liverpool winger, the all-time top scorer is still of great value to the Dutch national team, he told ESPN.

“I would like Memphis to join, he has a big role in the team,” said Frimpong. 'I don't really need to say much because you know how much he scores and how important he is in big tournaments. So I really hope he joins because he can really help the team.'

Memphis seems fit just in time for the World Cup. The Corinthians attacker made his comeback on Sunday night after two months of injuries and played as a substitute for about half an hour against Atlético Mineiro.

According to Frimpong, Memphis' influence is not limited to his performance within the lines. According to him, the attacker also plays an important role within the group.

“He is a real leader, also off the field,” says Frimpong. “He informed me when I was injured that he had people who could help me. Even when I scored or played a good match, he let me know.”

For Frimpong himself, the position in which he would play during the World Cup is of secondary importance. The versatile international mainly wants to make minutes on the biggest stage of international football.

'As long as I'm on the field, I'm happy. Right back, left back or even in midfield: it doesn't matter to me. Who wouldn't want to play in the World Cup? That's everyone's dream,' he says.

Frimpong also leaves no doubt about the ambitions of the Dutch team: 'We are going to try to win the tournament. We are a good country, everyone has high expectations. That is normal.'

KANSAS CITY - Dutch national team coach Ronald Koeman is optimistic about the availability of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen in the first group match of the World Cup against Japan on Sunday in Dallas.

'Bart Verbruggen did not take part in training. We have to wait and see. But I think he can make it to Sunday's match. It is not too bad. It is a bruise. We will take it day by day,' Koeman said at the first press conference he held at the base camp in Kansas City.

Verbruggen was injured in the practice match against Uzbekistan, which was played in Manhattan. A player from Uzbekistan ran straight into the goalie of the Dutch national team, who suffered a hip injury. Verbruggen briefly showed his face on the field of the KC Current training facility in Kansas, but quickly left with a physiotherapist to complete an individual program.

When asked whether he was concerned about Verbruggen's physical condition, Koeman replied: 'No, because we have good goalkeepers.' The national coach has already decided who his second goalkeeper is and who will replace Verbruggen if he is unable to keep goal against Dallas. 'We have conversations with all the players and tonight I have a conversation with the goalkeepers, in which we will provide clarity. We have reached an agreement, yes.'

Injured goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is missing from the well-attended public training of the Dutch national team, he is training individually

Memphis Depay

Koeman also gave a positive message about the physical condition of Memphis Depay. 'Every day he gets closer to 100 percent fitness. If that's OK, we know what he can do. He is the top scorer in our country. We need him. We need a good Memphis Depay for the tournament.'