Dutch courage required for Clockwork Orange to restore pride

It appeared as though first for a Clockwork Orange cull was Manchester United wingman Memphis Depay, who was cut from the preliminary roster for November’s friendlies, following poor club performances and a reported dispute with Robin van Persie in training.

At the time, Blind told press: “I think Depay is a player for the future, but there are other issues to look at.

“In football you must function in a team. He doesn’t always do that. I have also told him when I called him to say he’s not in there. That’s something he has to learn.”

Memphis to make a point

Memphis (15/8 to score anytime against Wales) may not have played to his potential in qualifying, but it was not so long ago a host of top clubs were chasing the potent PSV Eindhoven academy product’s tail. A move to Manchester may not have yet borne fruit, but the signs are there.

Omitting the usually deadly winger would only have dented his confidence, a quality which already looks to have deserted Clockwork Orange regulars in droves. It’s the Dutch way to show faith in the future and, casting an eye over fellow call-ups, Memphis’ ceiling still seems highest.

The Red Devil has been far from his usual deadly self, but did at times appear the only Netherlands attacker able to craft something, pumping crosses into the box that were left unmet or off target by Van Persie, now left out on the cold himself, and co.

Plenty of potential in the armory

Defender Terence Kongolo, Ajax schemers Davy Klaassen and Riechedly Bazoer and Newcastle United goal hero Georginio Wijnaldum may not have yet proven their international predigree, but are promising enough to challenge Memphis for the mantle of top Dutch talent.

While, Eredivisie attackers Anwar El Ghazi and Luciano Narsingh missed out this time, but show there is still so much more to come from this crop of youngsters, should they be allowed to gel away from the shadow of their predecessors failures and successes.

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