Ronald Koeman has named three Liverpool stars in his provisional Netherland squad for this summer’s European Championships in Germany.
Oranje qualified for the tournament behind France and another showdown with Les Blues awaits in a tricky Group D. The Netherlands will also face an in-form Austria and Poland – who they meet in their opener on June 16.
Koeman’s side fell at the round of 16 three years ago and though they are not one of the favourites to claim the prize, their raft of talented performers mean they have the ability to spring a surprise.
Reds and Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk will lead the team, alongside Anfield colleagues Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch. Former Liverpool favourite Georginio Wijnaldum has also been included in the provisional 30-man squad.
Koeman will trim the roster down to 26 ahead of the tournament that gets underway on 14 June.
Liverpool trio (L-R) Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Virgil van Dijk have been named in Netherlands’ provisional squad
Ronald Koeman has named his provisional 30-man squad for the European Championships
Teun Koopmeiners’ goals have helped fire Atalanta to the final of the Europa League this season
Serie A side Atalanta have also provided three players to the provisional squad, including Teun Koopmeiners, who has enjoyed a startling campaign that has seen him net 15 goals in all competitions.
The 1998 winners could have as many as eight players currently playing in the Dutch Eredivisie, with the likes of Lutsharel Geertruida, Brian Brobbey and Quinten Timber – twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien – among the ranks.
Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong could be key to Dutch success this summer having had a stunning season in Germany.
In addition to the Anfield trio, four Premier League stars have been included by Koeman. Defenders Micky van de Ven and Nathan Ake, as well as goalkeepers Mark Flekken and Bart Verbruggen are all expected to make the final cut.
The squad also includes the former Manchester United trio Daley Blind, Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst.
On-loan Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen and his Borussia Dortmund team-mate Donyell Malen have also been drafted in by the former Everton manager.
