Netherlands are into the World Cup last 16 where they will take on USA on Saturday.
Louis van Gaal’s side have not been entirely convincing – Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen said he felt this team was a ‘parody’ of the great Netherlands sides of the past.
So how can they mix it up and improve? One option being put forward is for Manchester United star Tyrell Malacia to come into the side.
Malacia, 23, has not played a minute of the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign so far, with Daley Blind preferred.
Call for Malacia to come in
Former Ajax defender Hedwiges Maduro would like to see Malacia come into the starting line-up for the last 16 clash.
He told Voetbal Primeur that the Dutch need a more dynamic threat down their left flank.
Maduro said: “It is not really fluent yet, but that also has to do with the opponents who only defend. I think especially against stronger opponents that we are going to get more space, then we will also play better football.
“Then Memphis gets more space, but also Dumfries. Then I think you also have more of Malacia than Blind. You have to have a sprinter on the left side.”
Malacia is waiting for his opportunity – but Van Gaal is expected to remain loyal to Blind, who he used at World Cup 2014 and later signed for Manchester United.
The Netherlands have conceded only one goal in three matches, although have hardly been prolific in attack, scoring four times.
While Malacia is yet to have a kick this tournament, his Manchester United teammate Luke Shaw has been a regular for England at left-back, starting every game.
Between them the pair provide strong options at left-back for United. Malacia can really showcase this if he is given a chance in the World Cup knockout stages.
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