Where are they?

I’ve talking to some of my friends and family about the squad selection and a common theme is the confusion regarding some of Marco van Basten’s omissions. So I did a little digging and recalled some articles I’ve read and came up with some reasons. Some are straight forward others not so much.

Clarence Seedorf – His quality can’t really be doubted. His age is a factor but his problem is his attitude. It has been said that he is extremely difficult to manage and often thinks he has the better solution or idea when it comes to team tactics and the like. By excluding Seedorf there will be one less voice of dissent in a team renown for egotism.

Boudewijn Zenden – Easy one. He hasn’t been playing regularly and its as simple as that. With van Basten’s policy you have no choice of being selected without regular games.

Andy van der Meyde – Do you remember that hard fought cross whipped in towards van Nistelrooy against Germany in Euro 2004? I sure do but despite a few good performances in Portugal Andy has barely featured for Everton at all this season with only 6 starts to date. Not good enough.

Roy Makaay – By far the biggest ripple was made when he didn’t make the roster. I’ll tell you straight up; I wasn’t surprised and I don’t fault van Basten’s decision. His season started well but his form has been patchy at best regardless of a run of good games of late. With other experienced strikers in the squad van Basten rightly chose to bring along a shining prospect for the future. ie. Klaas Jan Huntelaar

Paul Bosvelt – Some were surprised when he was left out. I was told that the squad needed his experience and defensive qualities. The reasons he was passed over are both simple and complex. First he is very much getting on in years and doesn’t possess the pace or stamina necessary to be useful to them team. Secondly if you recall he was the player put on in place of Arjen Robben in the dreadful loss to the Czechs two years ago. Many, including myself, saw this as the moment when Dick Advocaat’s fate was sealed as Dutch manager. He lost the vote of Johan Cruyff (the MOST important thing to have as Dutch manager) and if van Basten were to even consider calling up Bosvelt his own position would begin to wobble.