Netherlands 2010 World Cup Roster Announced Without Ruud Awakening

It was with a disarming nonchalance that Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk announced his 30-man provisional World Cup roster Tuesday evening.

This belied the anticipation and endless speculation that had preceded it, especially regarding the fate of one man—Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The news for the veteran striker was grim. Van Nistelrooy was not included by van Marwijk, who instead opted for a more youthful approach. The second year Dutch coach cited injuries that hampered van Nistelrooy reaching his peak form this year.

After having played for and won titles with illustrious clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid, the “Flying Dutchman” is still one of Holland’s most recognizable faces, and his exclusion was sure to draw attention.

Yet the move away from him has a serious silver lining for perceptive Dutch fans.

If Coach van Marwijk is confident enough in his striking options without including Ruud in even the provisional squad, that must be a vote of confidence for Robin van Persie’s health.

So while much of the focus was on the formerly prolific van Nistelrooy, it was with little fanfare that the rest of a talented Dutch team was announced in full.

Including current Champions League finalists Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel, and Arjen Robben, the Dutch are sending an unusually modest (though skillful) team to South Africa.

And, with the recovery of Robin van Persie, they are one of the few teams entering the first African World Cup with no major injuries. Already a favorite (albeit an outside one), the Dutch very quietly enter the tournament riding a wave of good play from their top players.

ROSTER :

Goal: Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht), Sander Boschker (FC Twente)

Defense: Edson Braafheid (Celtic), John Heitinga (Everton), André Ooijer (PSV), Joris Mathijsen (HSV), Vurnon Anita (Ajax), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart)

Midfield: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV), Otman Bakkal (PSV), Mark van Bommel (Bayern München), Orlando Engelaar (PSV), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Stijn Schaars (AZ), Wesley Sneijder (Inter), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Wout Brama (FC Twente), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), David Mendes da Silva (AZ)

Attack: Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Jeremain Lens (AZ), Eljero Elia (HSV), Arjen Robben (Bayern München), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool).

PROBABLE STARTERS/IMPACT BENCH PLAYERS

With nothing to suggest otherwise, the Dutch will field their now characteristic 4-2-3-1 without serious positional quandaries.

Starting with Ajax’s Martin Stekelenburg in goal, they have a talented yet inexperienced shot stopper.

Veterans Giovanni van Bronckhorst and John Heitinga flank the back four; Heitinga in particular has had a good year playing for English club Everton.

In the center, Holland introduces the youthful Gregory van der Wiel and (probably) Joris Mathijsen. Depth at defense is not great. They’re one injury away from a possibly fatal hole.

Sitting in front of the defense are a capable unit of holding midfielders. The veteran van Bommel joins rising star Nigel de Jong (Manchester City). There are several admirable replacements for this position however, such as Demy de Zeeuw and Orlando Engelaar (who both ply their trade domestically.)

Attacking midfielder is a position where the Dutch are talented and deep enough for any three national teams. The aforementioned Sneijder and Robben combined with Real Madrid regular Rafael van der Vaart form as creative a unit as will grace the stage this summer.

Add in Arsenal forward Robin van Persie as a versatile front man, and the Dutch will show the world why they are known for their art.

Should van Marwijk opt for another approach in the offensive third, he has several worthy candidates to select from (though with varying quality and consistency).

The hard-working Dirk Kuyt will likely figure into plans at some point, as will emerging talent Eljero Elia.

Also, the ever-erratic duo of Klaas-Jan Hunterlaar and Ryan Babel will savor any chance to show off their respective game’s to potential suitors come late summer.