23 Dutchmen in Germany – Part 2

The next order of business is to select the 8 defenders for the squad. 4 full backs and 4 centre halves. Opinions have been wide and varied. Skysports thinks that the back four will consist of Boulahrouz, Opdam, Heitinga and van Bronckhorst.

Against Italy in November when they lost 3-1 the back four consisted of van Bronckhorst, Vlaar, Mathijsen and Kromkamp. Later on against Ecuador Kromkamp was replaced by Opdam and they won 1-0.

The candidates then for the 8 spots: G. van Bronckhorst(Barcelona), J. Kromkamp(Liverpool), B. Opdam(AZ Alkmaar), J. Mathijsen(AZ Alkmaar), K. Jaliens(AZ Alkmaar), T. de Cler(AZ Alkmaar), Andre Ooijer(PSV), Ron Vlaar(Feyenoord), J. Heitinga(Ajaz), U. Emanuelson(Ajax), K. Boulahrouz(Hamburg SV), M. Melchiot(Birmingham), W. Bouma(Aston Villa), K. Hofland(Wolfsburg).

If there are others I’ve forgotten let me know and I’ll make it right. My picks consist of: van Bronckhorst, Kromkamp, Emanuelson, Opdam, Mathijsen, Boulahrouz, Vlaar and Jaliens.

I realize I’ve chosen some young fullbacks but I think their quality makes up for their inexperience. I also think that with Opdam, Boulahrouz and van Bronckhorst the defense has a good degree of experience.

Make sure you give input for the selection of the keepers if you haven’t already.