Luciano Valente's World Cup Spot at Risk After Tough Training Week
Midfield Competition Heats Up for Netherlands
Maarten Wijffels of the Algemeen Dagblad says Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke has played 29 Premier League matches by early April and is fit for the World Cup.
- Van Hecke’s regular playing time shows his readiness for the tournament.
- Other players like Stefan de Vrij, Xavi Simons, Mark Flekken and Denzel Dumfries have limited club involvement.
Valente’s Tough Week Raises Concerns
Wijffels notes that Luciano Valente had a difficult week in training, with Feyenoord’s season taking its toll. The Groningen midfielder played only 15 minutes against Ecuador and remained on the bench for the full ninety minutes in the friendly versus Norway.
Luciano Valente had a difficult week in training. It became clear that Feyenoord’s season has also taken its toll on him.
Projected Midfield Selection and the Battle for the Final Spot
If the Netherlands take seven midfielders, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch, Tijjani Reijnders and Jerdy Schouten are already certain, while Quinten Timber and Teun Koopmeiners should secure places after this week. That leaves the seventh spot open, with Wijffels suggesting the contest could be between Kees Smit and Luciano Valente, alongside options such as Kenneth Taylor, Guus Til and possibly Marten de Roon.
