Netherlands have 'one or two' decisions to make ahead of World Cup, says Koeman
The Netherlands could inch closer to the World Cup when they face Finland, with Ronald Koeman also hoping to finalise his starting XI.
Ronald Koeman is "one or two" decisions away from finalising his preferred Netherlands lineup for the 2026 World Cup, though his primary focus is on qualifying.
The Oranje sit top of Group G ahead of Sunday's clash with Finland in Amsterdam, having won 4-0 in Malta on Thursday.
Poland and Finland are just a point behind them in second and third, respectively, though the latter have played one additional game.
Koeman's plans for next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico are becoming clearer, but after the Oranje missed back-to-back tournaments at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, his foremost focus is on getting there.
"We are well on our way. The intention is to achieve qualification first," he told reporters at Saturday's pre-match press conference.
"If we can also get clarity about the picture by seeing some other players, that's a bonus. We are going well in that direction.
"I think we are well on our way to having stability. It doesn't always come out in the way of playing, but the framework is largely there.
"There are one or two choices we have to make. I think we're well on our way to getting that, outside of all the competition there is in the group. You shouldn't forget that."
One decision Koeman must make is at centre-back, with the Netherlands yet to nail down a long-term partner for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Jurrien Timber started alongside Van Dijk against Malta, with Micky van de Ven playing at left-back. Nathan Ake, Stefan de Vrij and Jan Paul van Hecke are also in their squad.
Timber registered more touches (92) and accurate passes (79) than any other player in that game, also creating two chances.
And Koeman believes the Arsenal man's ability to drive forward from the heart of defence may give him an edge in the battle for a starting spot.
"I do think they are complementary to each other. But with both Van Hecke and De Vrij, I thought so too," Koeman said.
"Even more than the other two, Jurrien is a player who dribbles forward and can ensure that we can have an extra man. I haven't always found us to be good at that; we have to be faster.
"I have also found the positions in midfield not always well aligned. There is still quite a bit in which we must and can do better, because we have the players for that."
