Manchester United and City players named in provisional Dutch squad

After a summer dominated by Euro 2020, the return of the Premier League means international football is very much on the back burner, not unless you’re Louis van Gaal that is.

The former Manchester United manager has never been the most conventional and has opted to name his provisional Dutch squad just under three weeks ahead of their next round of matches.

Van Gaal was reappointed Netherlands coach earlier this month after Frank de Boer left his role following the country’s early exit from Euro 2020.

Who’s in the squad?

After missing this summer’s tournament through injury, Donny van de Beek is back in the fold for the Oranje. The midfielder has earned 19 caps and scored three goals for the Netherlands so far.

Manchester City also have a representative, with Nathan Ake included in the squad. The defender played in two games at Euro 2020 and could partner Virgil van Dijk at the back, with the Liverpool man returning to the international set-up.

Tim Krul is the only other Premier League player included in Van Gaal’s 25-man squad, although former Red Devils Daley Blind and Memphis Depay have also been selected.

When do they play?

The Netherlands face Norway in a World Cup qualifier on 1 September, three days before they play Montenegro. The Dutch then wrap up their triple header by hosting Turkey on 7 September.

Van Gaal’s men are second in their qualifying group having picked up six points from the opening three games.

How did the Netherlands get on at Euro 2020?

The Dutch were certainly one of the more entertaining sides to watch during the summer tournament.

Their opening game against Ukraine was one of Euro 2020’s best matches, with the Netherlands winning 3-2.

They went on to top the group after beating Austria 2-0 and then overcoming North Macedonia 3-0. However, the Oranje crashed out in the last-16 after a shock 2-0 loss to Czech Republic.