The Netherlands Wants To Get Rid Of Spain? Koeman Will Turn Off Yamal Lamine

Spanish young star Lamine Yamal will be confirmed by the Spanish defender. (X/SEFutbol)

JAKARTA - Dutch coach Ronald Koeman confirmed that he would kill the young Spanish star Lamine Yamal in the match to determine the UEFA Nations League at the Mestalla Stadium, Valencia, Monday, March 24, 2025 in the morning WIB.

The team that won in the second match of the quarter-finals will qualify for the semifinals to face Croatia or France. Spain was slightly above the wind after successfully holding the Netherlands 2-2 in the first match at Rotterdam. Midfielder Mikel Merino saved Spain by scoring in injury time.

In the match which was held at De Kuip Stadium, Yamal, who played for more than an hour before being replaced by Mikel Oyarzabal, did not contribute goals or assists. However, this Barcelona star still gives La Roja color.

Koeman, who has been Barca's main defender for six years and had handled the elite La Liga team in Spain, did not hesitate to praise the players from the former club.

He referred to Pedri as one of the defensive midfielders who had quality. But Koeman paid attention to Yamal. In fact, he even assigned defender Jorrel Hato to turn off Yamal before finally being shown a red card.

"I really don't like talking about players individually. But I need to say that we can turn off Lamine Yamal quite well in the first game. However, it must be admitted that it is not easy to kill talented and complete players like him," Koeman told Mundo Deportivo as quoted by Football Espana.

"It's not who plays as a full back because other players will definitely help. The problem is, who will kill him because it is very difficult. With the quality in possession of the ball he has, he can always make the game more open," he said again.

Koeman clearly thinks about Yamal because the Netherlands is experiencing a crisis in the back sector. Although there is still captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of defense, Oranje's team is definitely missing Hato.

Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber, who is expected to replace him, was sick and was sent back to North London to undergo recovery at his club, Arsenal.

In the aftermath, Koeman has no other choice but to play Aston Villa defender Ian Maatsen. This 23-year-old player will make his debut in the big match. In addition, there is a young defender Youri Baas who is the coating of Maatsen.

"This is indeed a difficult choice. Maatsen joined in the last moments. But he is the real left back," said Koeman.

"I estimate this match will run with high intensity. Both teams learned from the previous match. We should have beaten them. But we will do it in this second match because the team's performance is better," he said.

Appearing at home to opponents does not make the Oranje team's guts recede. Koeman remains optimistic that the Dutch will be able to beat Spain who play at home.