In three parts, we will go through each position and list both our predicted squad players and the hopefuls who could potentially feature for the Netherlands.
In the third and final part of Dutch Dilemmas, we take a look at the forwards Ronald Koeman might take with him to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Right wingers
Some see him as a right-back, others as a forward, but Jeremie Frimpong will make the Oranje squad. Frimpong has been a versatile piece in Koeman's side, but will most likely feature as a right winger first and foremost, with Denzel Dumfries the regular starter in defence.
Along with Frimpong, Crysencio Summerville could make the squad. The West Ham winger impressed Koeman this season and would've made his debut if he hadn't picked up an injury ahead of the March friendlies.
Flashscore's predicted RWs: Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham)
Hopefuls: Ernest Poku (Bayer Leverkusen), Tijjani Noslin (Lazio)
Strikers
Arguably the most problematic position in Koeman's squad, but perhaps lesser so with a recent surge in Italy.
Though he's been used as a right winger by Koeman, Donyell Malen should realistically be the undisputed starter as Oranje's striker. He's been on fire for AS Roma, scoring 12 goals and giving 2 assists in 17 games, making him the most in-form striker the Netherlands has.
Sunderland's Brian Brobbey has also been impressive, though his scoring numbers aren't as stellar as Malen's. His incredible strength makes him a very useful piece up front, though. Especially with wingers like Cody Gakpo and Crysencio Summerville, who have a knack for goals.
Perhaps unpopular, but Wout Weghorst should have a spot in the Oranje squad. Even Koeman has said so, saying he "almost certainly has a place for him" in the role of a pinch-hitter. Who could forget his goal against Argentina? That'll be Weghorst's role once again.
A notable omission could very well be the Netherlands' all-time top scorer and assister: Memphis Depay. The Corinthians forward has been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury and recently aggravated it, making it a giant uphill battle for him to make the squad. Koeman only wants "100% fit players" after struggling with Depay's injury at Euro 2024.
Flashscore's predicted STs: Donyell Malen (Roma), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
Hopefuls: Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Emmanuel Emegha (Strasbourg), Zian Flemming (Burnley), Mexx Meerdink (AZ)
Left wingers
He's not been at his best this season, but that doesn't make Cody Gakpo any less undisputed in Oranje. The Liverpool winger is one of the first names on the team sheet and was pivotal for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Euros. He's in.
Behind him, Noa Lang should have a spot despite a lack of playing time at Galatasaray. The Napoli loanee has a different profile than Gakpo and won't be a starter, but his creativity and tenacity offer something special to the Netherlands' attack.
Crysencio Summerville could also play on the left, making the frontline a deep and dangerous unit for the Netherlands. That is, unless one of the four wingers picks up an injury. Beyond these four, only Bayer Leverkusen's Ernest Poku is a long shot to make the team, while a maiden call-up for Tijjani Noslin from Lazio is even less likely.
Flashscore's predicted LWs: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Galatasaray)
Hopefuls: None
