Netherlands Unveils 26-Man Squad for FIFA World Cup with Memphis Depay Returning
Netherlands World Cup Squad Announcement
Amsterdam [Netherlands], May 27: The Netherlands has officially revealed its 26-player roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, featuring Memphis Depay, the team's all-time leading scorer, who has recovered from a thigh injury.
After being sidelined for two months, Depay made his return to competitive play as a substitute during Corinthians' narrow 1-0 victory against Atletico Mineiro on May 24.
At 32 years old, Depay will be supported by fellow forwards Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen, the latter of whom has netted 14 goals in 18 appearances for Roma since transferring from Aston Villa in January, according to FIFA's official site.
Virgil Van Dijk will lead the squad as captain, with Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong expected to play a pivotal role. Notably, Jeremie Frimpong, Van Dijk's teammate at Liverpool, has been left out of the squad.
Netherlands World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen
Defenders: Nathan Ake, Denzel Dumfries, Jorrel Hato, Jurrien Timber, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Marten de Roon, Ryan Gravenberch, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Mats Wieffer
Forwards: Brian Brobbey, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, Justin Kluivert, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Crysencio Summerville, Wout Weghorst
Upcoming Fixtures:
14 June: Netherlands vs Japan – Dallas Stadium
20 June: Netherlands vs Sweden – Houston Stadium
25 June: Tunisia vs Netherlands – Kansas City Stadium.