National coach Ronald Koeman has announced his squad for the upcoming international break. AZ striker Mexx Meerdink has been called up to the Dutch national team for the first time.
Meerdink is joined by Memphis Depay, the all-time top scorer, and Wout Weghorst as the other two strikers in the 24-man squad. Winger Donyell Malen could also play in that position.
With his involvement, Meerdink follows in the footsteps of his father, Martijn, who played his only international match against Ecuador in March 2006.
Currently, the 22-year-old forward is competing with Irishman Troy Parrott at AZ this season. That said, he has still managed to score twice in the first seven Eredivisie rounds. He has been considered to be knocking on the door for a short while now, especially regarding Jong Oranje, as last term he registered 13 goals in 29 league games.
Notable changes
Compared to the previous international break, Koeman has omitted Sem Steijn (Feyenoord), Noa Lang (Napoli), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), and Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United). Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool) and Quilindschy Hartman (Burnley) are back in the squad. Hartman has previously played four international matches and last appeared for the Dutch national team in November 2023.
Malta and Finland are the Netherlandsโ next opponents on the road to the World Cup next summer in Mexico, Canada and the US. On Thursday, October 9, the Dutch national team will play away in Malta. A few days later, theyโll host Finland at the Johan Cruyff ArenA.
Koemanโs selection
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Defenders: Nathan Akรฉ (Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Inter), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Quilindschy Hartman (Burnley), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jurriรซn Timber (Arsenal), Quinten Timber (Feyenoord), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Stefan de Vrij (Inter).
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Jerdy Schouten (PSV).
Attackers: Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Donyell Malen (Aston Villa), Mexx Meerdink (AZ), Xavi Simons (Tottenham Hotspur), Wout Weghorst (Ajax).
GBeNeFNย |ย Max Bradfield
