How The Netherlands could line up against Turkey in WCQ

12:21pm on Tuesday 23rd March 2021
By Harry De Cosemo

Frank De Boer’s Netherlands side begin their charge towards a first World Cup in eight years with a tough trip to Turkey.

It was feared that they would be without some key players for this game, given the impact of coronavirus restrictions across Europe, but the Dutch should be able to play a strong side.

Primarily, the big fears were over whether Lyon forward Memphis Depay would be able to make it from France.

There were contingency plans in place that would have seen Ryan Babel, who currently plies his trade in Turkey for Galatasaray, feature in the starting XI. But, Depay has been confirmed in the squad.

Valencia’s Jasper Cillessen is set to replace Tim Krul in goal after the Norwich City stopper played in November’s games.

Elsewhere, Virgil van Dijk is still a big miss, but Daley Blind could come in alongside Matthijs de Ligt. Ajax midfielder Ryan Gravenberch could make his debut in midfield, but Georginio Wijnaldum and Frenkie de Jong will likely start in a midfield three alongside Marten de Roon.