Netherlands World Cup Squad announced. 

Louis Van Gaal has included 19-year-old Xavi Simons in the final World Cup squad. Simons was 11 the last time his country competed at a World Cup so he will be looking forward to breakthrough on the biggest stage.  

He joins a World class squad including his club teammate who is setting the Eredivisie alight, Cody Gakpo. Gakpo won the Eredivisie Player of the month two months running and doesn’t look like slowing down. 

Remko Pasmeer would never have expected to make the World Cup squad row years ago, but hard work and a bit of luck gave him his chance. He joined Ajax in 2021 as third choice goalkeeper, but Andre Onana's suspension and Maarten Stekelenburg's injuries suddenly opened the door to a starting place. He conceded one goal in his first twelve appearances for Ajax and caught the eye of Van Gaal.  

There is a strange absence for Sven Botman. The 22-year-old has played well for Newcastle United this season and has helped them stay in the top four by the time Christmas comes around and he also has captained his country at under-21 level and was expected to be included in the squad. 

This is a strong squad for the orange army, and I expect them to win the group they are in with the biggest test being Senegal. I predict them to get to the quarter finals and push Argentina right to the end before being knocked out.  

Goalkeepers: Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Remko Pasveer (Ajax), Andries Noppert (sc Heerenveen) 

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Jurriën Timber (Ajax), Denzel Dumfries (Internazionale), Stefan de Vrij (Internazionale), Mathijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen) 

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona), Steven Berghuis (Ajax), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Cody Gakpo (PSV), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Kenneth Taylor (Ajax), Xavi Simons (PSV) 

Forwards: Memphis Depay (FC Barcelona), Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Vincent Janssen (Royal Antwerp FC), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Noa Lang (Club Brugge), Wout Weghorst (Beşiktaş)