Netherlands' Provisional Squad Announcement

Manchester United duo Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt have been notably excluded from the Netherlands' provisional squad for the upcoming Nations League quarter-finals. The Netherlands will face Spain in a crucial two-leg tie, with the first match scheduled for March 20 at home, followed by the second leg in Valencia three days later.

Zirkzee's International Journey

Joshua Zirkzee, 23, made his senior international debut as a substitute during the Euro 2024 clash against Turkey. Since then, he has been a regular inclusion in the squad, accumulating six caps. However, his recent performances have not been enough to secure a spot in the provisional squad this time around.

De Ligt's Struggles Continue

Matthijs de Ligt, 25, has been a consistent presence in the Netherlands squad since earning his first cap in 2017, provided he is fit. However, his form at Manchester United has been inconsistent, leading to his exclusion from the squad. Despite scoring in the recent 3-2 win over Ipswich, De Ligt has faced criticism for his defensive errors.

Koeman's Decisions

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has named a 25-man provisional squad, which he plans to trim next week. Koeman has been vocal about his concerns regarding De Ligt's recent performances, particularly after the September international break, where De Ligt was substituted at halftime during a 2-2 draw with Germany.

Depay's Return

In contrast, former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay, now playing for Brazilian club Corinthians, has been included in the provisional squad. Depay has scored eight goals in 24 appearances for his new club and is looking to make a strong return to the national team after missing out since the Euro 2024 semi-finals loss to England.

What's Next?

Both Zirkzee and De Ligt will need to focus on their club performances at Manchester United to regain their places in the national squad. The Nations League quarter-finals will be a crucial test for the Netherlands as they aim to secure a spot in the semi-finals and beyond.

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