The ex-Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder believes uncertainty at striker and questions at the back could determine how far the Dutch go this summer.

ARIC BECKER

World Cup 2026

Former Dutch star Bolo Zenden names his two biggest Netherlands concerns before crucial Sweden clash: “Van Dijk will have to step it up”

Calum Roche

Managing Editor AS USA

Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.

Update: Jun 20th, 2026 12:15 EDT

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The Netherlands head into Saturday’s crucial World Cup 2026 clash against Sweden with work still to do after opening their tournament with a 2-2 draw against Japan.

Netherlands vs Sweden live online

Former Netherlands international Bolo Zenden believes there are key areas that could determine how far Ronald Koeman’s side goes in the competition. Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest World Cup odds, Zenden said, “My main concern is, well, two concerns.”

The first revolves around the identity of the team’s No. 9.

Who should be Netherlands’ starting striker?

“I think if you have a striker up front that you know is going to give you eight goals, that will do well, that will be your number one,” Zenden explained.

Instead, he sees a genuine debate.

“The discussion will be, is it going to be Depay, is it going to be Malen?”

Former Dutch star Bolo Zenden names his two biggest Netherlands concerns before crucial Sweden clash: “Van Dijk will have to step it up” — FC Barcelona: 1998-2001 Liverpool FC. 2005-08Jordi Alemany

Zenden pointed to Donyell Malen’s impressive form since joining Roma, noting that the forward has been scoring regularly in Serie A. Brian Brobbey is another player he believes could yet force his way into the picture.

The former Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder admitted many Dutch fans expected Memphis Depay’s international career to fade when he moved to Brazil.

“I think everybody thought that when Memphis made a choice to go to Brazil that he would be out of contention for the national team,” Zenden said. “But he’s still very much in contention. He’s scoring quite a bit and being important for the team.”

The veteran striker, now 32, remains firmly in the conversation if he can stay healthy.

“So yeah, the discussion in Holland obviously will be: is he fit enough and ready to fire for the national team and be number one choice? Or do we have to look a bit differently and see if Donyell Malen would be the number one choice?”

Why is Virgil van Dijk a concern?

At the other end of the field, Zenden believes captain Virgil van Dijk will need to raise his level if the Dutch are to challenge for the trophy.

“I think Van Dijk will have to step it up a bit in the summer if we want to do well.”

The comment comes after the Netherlands conceded twice in their opening draw with Japan. Van Dijk found the net himself, but the Oranje were unable to hold onto either of their leads.

Zenden believes Koeman has plenty of defensive options, including Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke, while a switch to a five-man defense could bring the likes of Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong into even more influential roles.

How far can the Netherlands go in 2026 World Cup?

However, he also warned that the tournament bracket may not be kind to the Dutch.

“I think the Dutch are a bit unlucky because they could actually face Brazil or Argentina very soon,” he said.

For that reason, Zenden believes reaching the last four would represent a successful campaign.

“If they get to a semi-final, I think that would be amazing.”