Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has omitted Liverpool defender Jeremie Frimpong from his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, a decision that has sparked debate given the full-back's £29.5 million move to Anfield just last summer. The 24-year-old, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen with a reputation as one of Europe's most dynamic wing-backs, has found himself on the outside looking in as Koeman opted for a defence-heavy Premier League contingent.
Instead, the squad features a remarkable 15 players from England's top flight, including Liverpool teammates Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo, all of whom made the cut. The exclusion of Frimpong is particularly notable because it comes despite his regular involvement at club level, where he has been a consistent presence in Arne Slot's side. While not always a guaranteed starter, his pace, crossing ability and versatility have been valuable assets for Liverpool in both domestic and European competitions.
Koeman's reasoning appears to centre on tactical balance and competition for places. The right-back slot is fiercely contested, with Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries—a veteran of previous tournaments—retaining his place, while versatile options like Jurrien Timber and even Nathan Aké can fill in on the right. Dumfries offers a more physical, defensively solid option, while Frimpong's attacking thrust may have been deemed surplus to requirements in Koeman's system, which often relies on a back three or a more conservative full-back role.
One of the most eye-catching inclusions is that of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, who has not played a single minute since March due to a serious ankle injury. The 23-year-old suffered the setback in Arsenal's pre-season and has been slowly working his way back, but his selection indicates a huge show of faith from Koeman. Timber's ability to play centrally and at right-back makes him a valuable asset, even if his match fitness remains a significant question mark heading into the tournament. “We believe in Jurrien’s quality,” Koeman seemed to suggest with this gamble, though he will hope the defender can prove his fitness in time for the group stage.
The Premier League's dominance in the Dutch squad is staggering. The defensive unit alone features six top-flight representatives: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nathan Aké (Manchester City), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion) and the injured Timber. Only Dumfries, plying his trade at Inter Milan, breaks the English monopoly. This concentration speaks to the financial pull and scouting networks of England's biggest clubs, but also to the trust Koeman has in players tested weekly in one of the world's most demanding leagues.
In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch earns a deserved call-up after a breakout season at Liverpool, where he has reinvented himself under Slot as a deep-lying playmaker. He will be joined by Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, Juventus' Teun Koopmeiners and Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders—a recent high-profile signing—forming a technically gifted core. Brighton's Mats Wieffer also gets a nod, adding steel, while Guus Til (PSV) and Quinten Timber (Marseille), Jurrien’s twin brother, provide creative depth.
Up front, Memphis Depay, now at Brazilian side Corinthians, remains the talismanic figure despite his move away from Europe’s elite. Cody Gakpo’s versatility will be key, able to operate across the front three, while Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham) and Donyell Malen (AS Roma) offer pace and directness. A surprise inclusion is Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey, who has found form in the Championship, earning his first senior call-up—a testament to Koeman’s willingness to look beyond the traditional big leagues. Wout Weghorst, now back at Ajax, provides a physical Plan B.
In goal, Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is expected to be the first choice, backed up by Bayer Leverkusen’s Mark Flekken and the uncapped Sunderland prospect Robin Roefs. Roefs’ selection is a bold move, potentially with an eye on the future, though it raises eyebrows given his lack of international experience.
Frimpong’s exclusion is a blow to the player, who would have relished the opportunity to showcase his talents on the grandest stage. Having represented the Netherlands at youth levels and earned senior caps in recent friendlies, he will feel hard done by. The decision may also have ramifications at club level; a summer without tournament football could allow him a full pre-season, but the psychological setback cannot be underestimated. Liverpool will be keen to support the defender, but the snub could either fuel his determination or prompt questions about his international future under Koeman.
Looking ahead, the Netherlands enter the World Cup with a blend of experience and youth, but the reliance on Premier League players—many of whom have endured gruelling club campaigns—could be a double-edged sword. Fitness concerns, particularly around Timber, and the integration of new faces like Hato and Brobbey will be tested. For Frimpong, the wait for a major tournament goes on, and he will be watching from home, hoping for a chance to force his way back into the fold in the future. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.