Amid the restructuring from the Netherlands’ World Cup exit, a new captain is being considered by the Dutch federation [KNVB].
The Netherlands exited at the last 32 stage against Morocco and Ronald Koeman has since stepped down as head coach.
Meetings have been held at KNVB offices in Zeist with executives keen to plan for the future.
The Netherlands’ plans after their World Cup exit
A new coach is the priority, with Arne Slot, Pep Guardiola and Peter Bosz linked.
However, a new captain may also be sought to replace Virgil van Dijk.
AD report that Director of Elite Football, Nigel de Jong, is beginning the restructuring, and it’s unclear how much the squad will be consulted with Van Dijk’s role at stake.
The Liverpool captain is considering retiring from international football, vacating the armband he also wears with the Oranje.
Why Dumfries is favoured to take the captaincy
As such, attentions have turned to who could replace him, with one clear candidate.
AD write: “If you ask players and staff members informally about the captaincy, the same name frequently comes up: everyone views Denzel Dumfries as a suitable successor for the role.
“People point, among other things, to how Dumfries conducted himself after the debacle against Morocco.
“Amidst all the disappointment and frustration, he immediately said: ‘Just tell me what needs to be done regarding media obligations; I’ll lead the way’.
“Dumfries will be playing for Real Madrid next season. It is quite possible that he will be the oldest starter for the national team in the match against Germany on September 24. Dumfries is already part of the leadership group.”
They add that De Jong plans to speak with the players about the direction of travel, but that will only take place once Van Dijk has decided on his future.
Criticism of Van Dijk’s World Cup performances
Leading AD columnist Maarten Wijffels was one of many to look at Van Dijk after the defeat to Morocco when he was discussing Koeman’s failures.
He wrote: “He brought back Georginio Wijnaldum – unsuccessfully.
“He stuck with Memphis Depay for too long, and perhaps with Virgil van Dijk as well.
“Van Dijk wasn’t useless at this World Cup, but he was virtually invisible.
“Opponents of the Dutch team deliberately left him unmarked during the build-up play, while his own defensive pressing was inconsistent – sometimes he stepped up to close the gap, other times he didn’t.
“He bore partial responsibility for goals conceded against both Sweden and Morocco.
“The same could have happened against Tunisia, but he was let off the hook.
“In the second minute, the striker he was supposed to be marking fired the ball over the bar from eight meters out, completely unmarked.
“The final image of Van Dijk at his last World Cup was him standing apart from the line of penalty takers at the decisive moment in Monterrey.”
Van Dijk’s emotional tribute to Ronald Koeman
Despite praise for Dumfries’ media work, Van Dijk also stood up after the exit.
A regular penalty taker for Liverpool during shoot-outs, Koeman revealed why he didn’t step up against Morocco.
“Virgil had a cramp, and so did Summerville,” he said. “Ultimately, Summerville was willing to take the penalty. Otherwise, Van Dijk would have taken it.”
Later reflecting on the coach’s exit, ‘VVD’ said: “Thanks for everything, coach.
“My family and I are immensely grateful for everything you have meant to me.
“Your trust and support have played a major role in my development as a player and a person, from my first minutes in the Premier League [at Southampton] to the moment I wore the captain’s armband for the Netherlands and became record captain.
“I hope that the appreciation for who you are as a person will one day be just as loud as the opinions that are so easily shared.
“For behind all the discussions and judgments stands a good person, who deserves nothing less than respect. All the best to you, Bartina, and your family.”
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