ARSENE WENGER has sensationally offered to become the new Holland boss, according to reports, and it’s not hard to see why.
The Oranje is packed with superstar players with the potential to make history for their nation.
Ronald Koeman will be desperate to rebuild at Barca
With current Holland boss Ronald Koeman expected to leave to take charge of Barcelona, Fox Sports claim Wenger has offered to replace him.
It would mark the former Arsenal manager’s first foray into management since his 22-year term with the Gunners came to an end.
Here, we look at how the Frenchman might combine Holland’s standout talents with the rising stars of the national team…
GOALKEEPER
Jasper Cillessen
A straightforward pick for Wenger between the posts with Jasper Cillessen the clear top choice. The Valencia keeper already has 56 caps to his name and keeps the likes of PSV’s Jeroen Zoet and Norwich reserve Tim Krul on the bench.
DEFENCE
Nathan Ake, Matthjis de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, Ki-Jana Hoever
Ki-Jana Hoever is trying to breakthrough at LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
A bit like when Wenger arrived at Arsenal, he walks into a team blessed with top quality defenders.
It’s impossible to look beyond the pairing for Virgil van Dijk and Matthjis de Ligt in the centre-back positions. De Ligt had a shaky start after his £67.5million move to Juventus but became a regular in the side and helped them to their ninth straight Serie A title.
Daley Blind is currently a regular pick at left-back, but with the more youthful Nathan Ake joining Man City for £40m, he might be a better long-term option in the position, which the 25-year-old has often played in during his career.
Ki-Jana Hoever joined Liverpool from Ajax in 2018, and while he’s struggled for game time, it’s understandable when playing understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold. If he can find a way to break into Jurgen Klopp’s team, or possibly go on loan, he could be in the frame for a place in Wenger’s side.
MIDFIELD
Mohammed Ihattaren, Georginio Wijnaldum, Frenkie de Jong
Van Dijk with Barcelona star Frenkie de JongCredit: Getty – Contributor
Georginio Wijnaldum is a solid choice in the midfield and starts alongside Frenkie de Jong, one of few Barcelona players not to disgrace themselves recently.
Mohammed Ihattaren, only 18, is being called a once in a generation talent having dazzled at PSV this season. Having made his debut at just 16, he’s already on the fringes of the Dutch squad and with Wenger’s love of promoting youth, he’ll be in the first-team frame.
Wenger has loads of back up options, with the likes of Marten de Roon, Kevin Strootman and Tonny Vilhenna vying for a role in the starting XI.
ATTACK
Memphis Depay, Myron Boadu, Donny van de Beek
Memphis Depay has put his Manchester United nightmare well and truly behind him and is ripping it up for Lyon. His six goals in the Champions League have propelled the Ligue 1 side to unlikely semi-finalists this season.
On the right of attack, Donny van de Beek gets in. Usually a midfielder, his attacking ability sees him pushed upfield to make room for other talents behind the Ajax ace.
Wenger might overlook the more experienced Luuk de Jong, Ryan Babel and Wout Weghorst in favour of Myron Boadu.
The 19-year-old centre-forward has banged in 14 goals and got eight assists in 24 league games for AZ Almaar in his breakthrough season. Rumours of a transfer to Barcelona are understandable and he scored on his debut for the Oranje to prove his potential as their new leading man.
Myron Boadu scored on his Netherlands debutCredit: Getty – Contributor
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
