Heading into the tournament, there was uncertainty surrounding who would secure the role of first-choice goalkeeper for the team. Ultimately, Bart Verbruggen was selected ahead of Mark Flekken and he certainly justified that decision with a string of impressive performances.
The Netherlands’ journey in the tournament came to a disappointing end 59 days ago when they were narrowly defeated by England in the semi-finals of the European Championship. Despite taking the lead through Xavi Simons’ goal, they were heartbreakingly denied victory with the last kick of the game at Westfalenstadion.
Despite this defeat, the tournament was widely regarded as a success for Koeman’s side. They managed to navigate past tough opponents like Romania and Türkiye in the knockout stages, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the Euros for the first time in 20 years.
In discussions about standout players from the Dutch squad, left-back Nathan Aké’s name has been frequently mentioned. His performances on the field have not gone unnoticed, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
On a different note, it has been reported that Chelsea is on the verge of making a £20 million sale for a promising young talent born in 2004. This move is seen as a smart business decision by the club, as they aim to continue building for the future.
Meanwhile, recent displays by Paulo Bernardo have reassured Celtic fans that the team can thrive even without the presence of Matt O’Riley. The Brazilian midfielder has stepped up and showcased his abilities, proving that the team is in good hands moving forward.