July 9th 2024.
In the highly anticipated semi-final match between the Netherlands and England at Euro 2024, there is some buzz surrounding the Dutch team's starting lineup. Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen has suggested that head coach Ronald Koeman make a bold change for the game.
While England's coach, Gareth Southgate, has stuck with a consistent lineup throughout the tournament, Koeman has been more experimental with his squad. However, a few players have managed to secure their spot in the starting XI, including centre-forward Memphis Depay. Despite his impressive record of 46 goals in 97 caps for the Dutch team, Depay has not been in top form during the tournament, only scoring one goal and one assist in the first five games.
Meulensteen, who has worked closely with Depay during his time at Manchester United, believes that it may be time for a change. He suggests that Koeman should drop Depay in favor of another forward who has ties to the English club. Meulensteen speaks highly of 23-year-old Joshua Zirkzee, who is on the verge of joining Manchester United from Bologna after the club agreed to pay his €40 million release clause.
"I like Joshua Zirkzee," Meulensteen shared with Free Bets. "He's young, tall, and mobile. He had a good season at Bologna last year. If I were in Koeman's shoes, I would start him against England instead of Depay. He will cause more problems for the opposition and is more of a traditional striker, unlike Depay who tends to drop deep and leave the center-backs with nothing to worry about."
Zirkzee made his international debut for the Netherlands as a late substitute in their quarter-final match against Turkey. While he may be a highly talented player, Meulensteen acknowledges that starting him in such a crucial match may be a risky move. Zirkzee only has one cap for the senior team, and that too as a substitute.
Despite the potential risks, Meulensteen believes that Zirkzee's technical abilities and unpredictability could bring a new dynamic to the Dutch team's attack. It remains to be seen if Koeman will take his advice and make the bold decision to start Zirkzee against England.
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans will be keeping a close eye on the young forward's performance, especially with the news of his potential move to the club. Zirkzee's impressive record of 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances for Bologna last season has caught the attention of many top clubs, and it seems like United may have won the race for his signature.
However, only time will tell if Zirkzee will make a significant impact on the pitch for the Netherlands and potentially for Manchester United in the future. Regardless of the outcome, it is clear that the young forward has a bright future ahead of him.
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