Dutch football fans are in a state of shock after a major blow struck their Euro 2024 campaign. Midfield maestro Frenkie de Jong has been ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury, as confirmed by head coach Ronald Koeman. The news, that Frenkie De Jong will miss Euro 2024, throws a significant wrench into the Netherlands' plans, raising questions about their midfield depth and tactical approach.

De Jong's Absence: A Huge Loss for the Netherlands

Frenkie De Jong missing Euro 2024 is a devastating loss for the Dutch national team. The Barcelona midfielder is a cornerstone of Koeman's system, renowned for his exceptional passing range, calmness under pressure, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His presence in midfield provides a vital link between defense and attack, allowing the Netherlands to build possession and launch dangerous attacks.

De Jong's injury woes throughout the season add another layer of concern. He has missed several games for Barcelona due to various fitness issues, limiting his rhythm and match fitness heading into a crucial tournament. This lack of recent playing time further complicates Koeman's selection headache.

Maatsen Called Up as Replacement

Koeman has been forced to act swiftly to address the midfield void. The coach has opted to call up Chelsea's young defender Ian Maatsen to the squad. While a talented player, Maatsen is primarily known for his defensive solidity and attacking threat down the left flank. His inclusion presents a tactical dilemma for Koeman.

Maatsen offers a different skillset compared to De Jong, and Koeman will need to decide how to best integrate him into the midfield. This could involve a tactical shift, potentially deploying a more defensive midfielder alongside a creative playmaker to compensate for Frenkie De Jong missing Euro 2024.

Double Blow for Dutch Midfield

Adding to the Netherlands' woes, midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has also been ruled out of Euro 2024. Koopmeiners sustained an injury during the warm-up of their recent match against Iceland, further depleting Koeman's midfield options.

These back-to-back setbacks force the Dutch coach to rethink his midfield strategy. He will need to rely on the remaining midfielders in his squad, such as Donny van de Beek and Steven Berghuis, to step up and fill the void left by Frenkie De Jong and Koopmeiners.

Can the Dutch Overcome This Midfield Crisis?

As Frenkie De Jong will surely miss the Euro 2024,  the Netherlands' midfield weakens, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to showcase their talent on the grand stage. Koeman's tactical nous and ability to adapt his plans in the face of adversity will be crucial to the team's success at Euro 2024.

The Dutch team still possesses a wealth of talent throughout the squad. However, overcoming this Frenkie De Jong miss will require a collective effort, tactical adjustments from the coach, and some inspired performances from the remaining midfielders. The fight for Dutch glory at Euro 2024 has become a little bit harder, but the team's determination and fighting spirit will be tested right from the outset.