Overview
- Matthijs de Ligt reenters the Netherlands squad for World Cup qualifiers against Poland in Warsaw and Lithuania in Amsterdam.
- Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij is omitted as Koeman refreshes his central-defense options.
- Koeman highlighted De Ligt’s recent Manchester United displays, noting the late equaliser against Tottenham as evidence of renewed confidence.
- Selection factors include current playing time, with Nathan Ake retained for left-footed balance and his role as a captain despite limited minutes at Manchester City.
- The Netherlands hold a three-point edge over Poland and will clinch qualification with a win in Warsaw, with a second chance against Lithuania if needed.