Koeman's line-up lacks impact subs after Japan draw

The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan at the World Cup, leaving coach Ronald Koeman with a line-up that offered little speed from the bench.

The next group match is against Sweden on Saturday at 19:00.

Koeman’s “starters and finishers” mantra, popularised during Euro 2024, relied on fast impact substitutes to change games.

He used the term to describe players who could turn a match on its head.

Wout Weghorst exemplified the concept at Euro 2024, scoring the winner against Poland and helping the comeback versus Turkey.

Donyell Malen added two goals after coming off the bench against Romania, while Micky van de Ven sprinted past tired opponents after replacing Nathan Aké as left-back.

Two years later Malen and van de Ven are now regular starters, meaning the Netherlands missed the bench speed that helped them against Japan.

Koeman’s starting front line of Crysencio Summerville, Donyell Malen and Gakpo produced little attacking thrust.

Potential substitutes such as Justin Kluivert, Noa Lang, Emmanuel Emegha and Crysencio Summerville could provide pace, but the current bench also includes Memphis Depay, Brian Brobbey and Teun Koopmeiners, none of whom generated the desired speed.

Depay, who burst onto the scene as a 20-year-old PSV forward in 2014, now struggles to force attacks from the bench.

Emmanuel Emegha, a future Chelsea forward, was sidelined by injury.

The training session in Dallas featured Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Jan Paul van Hecke with their families, underscoring the squad’s relaxed atmosphere despite the tactical concerns.