Tactical Shift Expected for Dutch Against Sweden: 'This is What Ronald Koeman Will Do'

Hedwiges Maduro is firmly convinced: Ronald Koeman is set to make a change. After analyzing Sweden's squad and their formation, he sees a logical approach to counter them. "Sweden plays with five at the back. In that scenario, it's beneficial to start Justin Kluivert, as he can exploit the space between the lines. Tunisia also created chances against Sweden simply by dribbling through midfield," he explains.

He therefore believes opting for Kluivert is a logical move. "I think Koeman will also create a 'box' again, allowing Summerville to drift inside, which in turn gives Dumfries more space on the flank." The expectation is that Kluivert would then be consistently involved in attacks alongside Gakpo, Malen, Summerville, and Dumfries.

"Then you have Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch behind them, and Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Micky van de Ven in defense. That's going to be Ronald Koeman's tactic," Maduro states quite resolutely.

Robert Maaskant also sees merit in this tactic, albeit for different reasons. "After the Japan game, you want more creativity, more drive towards goal. Kluivert offers more of that than Reijnders, who is more of a runner and needs to be supplied. Kluivert can create on his own. Additionally, he's comfortable drifting wide. This would bring more dynamism to the team."

Dynamism seems to be the keyword for the Dutch national team; they looked a bit flat against Japan and needed more intensity and creativity. "If Summerville cuts inside, he can still go wide and execute an individual action. That also creates more threat. Simply passing the ball around won't break down opponents at this World Cup. You'll need to beat a man and be creative with passes to players making runs," Maaskant elaborates.

Koeman selected many strikers and fewer wingers for his squad. As a result, the depth in that area is currently quite thin, with only Teun Koopmeiners behind Summerville for now. Until Memphis Depay is fit, Malen won't be playing there. "Against Japan, you could see that we could have used a fast right-back or right-winger," Maduro observes. "A player like Frimpong."

On the other hand, Koopmeiners is also a weapon with his corners and free-kicks. "He's also versatile; you can really play him anywhere. Koeman will have considered that," Maaskant concludes.

In the new Sportnieuws.nl World Cup podcast, Robert Maaskant, Hedwiges Maduro, and football analyst Aron Kattenpoel Oude Heerink discuss the latest developments at the World Cup and with the Dutch national team. They witnessed a phenomenal Lionel Messi, who, according to the pundits, has now definitively surpassed Diego Maradona, and enjoyed France with star player Kylian Mbappé.

The impressive transfer of Jan Paul van Hecke is also discussed, and Maduro and Maaskant debate the 'too kind' coaching staff of the Dutch national team. Listen to a new episode every day at 7:30 AM on your favorite podcast platform.