Match winner Huntelaar

My guess is that Van Basten will choose Huntelaar as his number 1 striker. Van Nistelrooij will probably go the World Cup but only as a substitute. Actually… I wouldn’t be surprised if he is replaced by Makaay at the last minute…

Posted from  France

Ouch! Hope you’re wrong … (as you’ll guess if you read my rhapsody to Ruud in the previous thread)

Posted from  United Kingdom

I don’t think van Basten can afford to take such a huge gamble on Huntelaar given his inexperience. Especially with an experienced player like Ruud in the squad as well.

I also don’t see Makaay replacing him in the squad.

Posted from  United States

It’s an tricky selection problem for Van Basten.

Ruud makes a terrible substitute, and he has a tons to prove at the moment. If he doesn’t get in the starting eleven he’ll self-destruct.

But he also can’t get around Klaas Jan. This kid is a goal scoring machine..

Do you guys think there’s a way that he can deploy them both?

Posted from  United States

I think if anyone replaces Ruud it would be Kuyt. They are two very similar places. Huntelaar will be a good sub or else as an extra attacker but I don’t see him starting any games to be honest.

Posted from  United States

Ruud is in jeopardy not because of his ill performance. It is just his turn to suffer against self-orineted Scott like the ancesstors.
It is Basten to turn the pressures into driving force for Netherlands. Huntelaar’s form has proved harder and harder to ignore.
it could be very nice to see both VNS and Hunter at some events, but most of the time will only one of them.
Ruud could be a starter & Hunter to sub: at early matches.
As Hunter prove more their order could be revresed.

Posted from  Myanmar

Come On, Do you really think Van Basten will leave one of The netherlands best performing and experienced striker out of the national team? Van Basten probably could not care less what ferguson thinks, he is just scared that ruud will play and beat England to be honest. Klaas Jan, VNR, kuyt, robben up front would be beuatifull attacking football. And there is no way makaay is coming back to the squad. Van Basten also promised ruud a place in the Netherlands squad, I seriously doubt that ruud will not go to germany this summer! HUP HOLLAND

Posted from  Oman

No I don’t think there is anyway way van Basten would leave Ruud at home. I meant that if Ruud places poorly or picks up a knock then Kuyt would be his immediate replacement, not Huntelaar.

Posted from  United States