Hans Kraay junior believes Virgil van Dijk's injury absence is no disaster for the Netherlands because it gives other players a chance to prove themselves. The Netherlands observer made his case on ESPN.
Van Dijk and Brian Brobbey both withdrew from Xavi's squad. Sepp van den Berg was later added, while Frenkie de Jong is the temporary captain in the Liverpool defender's absence.
"I don't think it's a very big loss," Kraay says of Van Dijk's absence. "Van Dijk also comes in for a lot of criticism, and at times that's justified."
"But I think Van de Ven and Van Hecke could form a good partnership for the Netherlands, just as they have at Tottenham Hotspur. In ten matches together at Tottenham, they've conceded only eleven goals. And it's hardly a league full of poor players, nor are they up against poor players at centre-forward," the Netherlands observer adds.
Kraay backs Xavi to pick Van Hecke and Van de Ven in central defence. "I have faith in Van de Ven's pace alongside Van Hecke. It could well be a step towards the future."
Related Topics
At 35, Van Dijk does not appear ready to retire from international football. Doubts arose after last summer's World Cup, but the veteran decided to continue playing for the Netherlands after a conversation with Xavi.
"Xavi and Van Dijk are both certain they'll continue working together for another two years. So in that case, it would be a temporary solution," Kraay says, referring to a central defensive partnership of Van Hecke and Van de Ven.
Should Van de Ven move into the centre, Ian Maatsen looks set to start at left-back against Greece. "That's fine too," Kraay says, backing the Aston Villa full-back.
Maatsen has been a regular for Aston Villa in the Premier League and Champions League this season. The left-back has played once before for the Netherlands, in the 2025 Nations League quarter-final against Spain.