Barcelona midfielder and summer target called up for the Netherlands provisional Euros squad

The Netherlands have officially released their 30-man provisional squad for the upcoming European Championship in Germany.

This comes on the same day hosts Germany released its squad for Euro 2024, notably featuring two Barcelona stars Ilkay Gundogan and Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Frenkie de Jong features in Netherlands provisional squad

Although not much of a surprise, Frenkie de Jong is the only Barcelona player to feature in Netherlands’ provisional squad.

Coached by former Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands’ provisional features a host of experienced stars such as De Jong himself, as well as Virgil van Dijk, Gini Wijnaldum and Wout Weghorst.

One would expect de Jong will be a guaranteed pick once the Netherlands release their final squad for Euro 2024.

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De Jong, in fact, could be one of the nation’s important players as the Oranje look to make an impression in Euro 2024, especially after bowing out of the Round of 16 stage in the last edition.

De Jong was a part of the squad in Euro 2020, but the team was coached by Frank de Boer.

Three years later, the Dutchman is one of the nation’s more experienced stars and his performances could go a long way in dictating the Netherlands’ fortunes in the competition.

It must be noted that de Jong had worked with Koeman during their time together at Barcelona. The midfielder notably played in 62 competitive matches under the former Barça manager.

While de Jong is the only Barcelona player to feature in the provisional squad, Koeman has also called up Barça target Xavi Simons, following a stellar campaign with RB Leipzig.

Even Simons could play a crucial role in the Oranje attack in this tournament. His creativity and dynamism, in particular, could make life difficult for the opposition defences.