Dark horses Netherlands pin Euro 2024 hopes on De Jong despite injury

THE HAGUE: Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is gambling on the fitness of Frenkie de Jong, hoping the Barcelona playmaker can inspire a talented side to emulate the European Championship heroes of 1988.

While not among the top favourites in Germany, the Oranje could yet prove to be dark horses for the tournament, with an experienced defence and a midfield packed with talent from Europe´s top clubs.

Central to Koeman´s plans is De Jong, who has battled ankle injuries this season at Barcelona but hopes to be fit for his team´s Group D opener against Poland on June 16. Koeman included the 27-year-old in his squad despite not recovering from his third ankle injury of the season, saying he was prepared to make an exception for his star player.

“We have a trajectory in mind, but it will depend on how the ankle holds up whether I will be fit in time,” said De Jong, adding: “There are no hard deadlines.” Koeman will want his talisman fit from the off as the Oranje face a tough group, with joint-favourites France and Austria to come after the opening clash with Poland.

Joining De Jong in midfield will be Jerdy Schouten, who has impressed during PSV Eindhoven´s all-conquering season in the Dutch top flight and run to the Champions League knock-out stages. The Dutch can count on a formidable defence, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk joining up with Nathan Ake, fresh from Premier League glory with Manchester City.

Veteran defender Daley Blind and Bayern Munich´s Matthijs de Ligt are also in the mix, with competition for squad places so tough there was no place for Ian Maatsen, who helped Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final.