Hans Kraay Jr. backs Brobbey start, questions Summerville benching

analyst Hans Kraay Jr. says he understands Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman's choice to start Brian Brobbey in the upcoming match against Sweden, but he is taken aback by the decision to keep Crysencio Summerville on the bench in the starting eleven. Koeman told Kraay Jr. the night before that he wants more players positioned in the opponent's penalty area. Kraay Jr. added that Sweden, like Japan, line up with many defenders, requiring a forward who can create space. He noted that this tactical aim influences the selection of a target man. He predicted that Gakpo, Reijnders and Malen would look to supply Brobbey during the game. Kraay Jr. said they would "search" for Brobbey throughout the match.

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"Ik snap de beweegredenen om Brobbey op te stellen. Maar wat ik niet snap, is het slachtofferen van een van je beste spelers", Kraay Jr. explained, stressing that the team matters more than any individual. He argued that this is the philosophy Koeman now appears to follow. "Ik ben er licht van geschrokken dat hij gepasseerd is", he added, expressing personal surprise at Summerville's omission. Kraay Jr. concluded that, when playing with a target man, the choice for a right‑winger should be between Malen or Summerville.

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Kraay Jr. points readers to the latest Studio Oranje episode covering the Dutch squad, Curaçao and debutant Deveron Fonville. The podcast offers further analysis of Koeman's selections.