Xuenou > Sports > Louis van Gaal says Netherlands’ World Cup squad numbers were picked based on age
Louis van Gaal says Netherlands’ World Cup squad numbers were picked based on age
Louis van Gaal says Netherlands' World Cup squad numbers were picked based on age,Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has revealed he has made the strange decision to make the players’ shirt numbers based on their age - with their oldest player, Remko Pasveer, handed the No 1

Louis van Gaal says Netherlands’ World Cup squad numbers were picked based on age

Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has revealed that he decided the players’ shirt numbers based on their age.

Without giving away his preferred first XI for the World Cup, the Dutchman opted to hand out the shirt numbers in order of what age the players are.

By way of example, the oldest, goalkeeper Remko Pasveer will wear the No 1 shirt in Qatar, with the rest going down by their birthdate.

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Van Gaal said: “In general I discuss that with the players, not now. I gave the players a number that fits their age.”

He was then asked by reporters if he was joking. “That's no joke. I never tell jokes at a press conference, I explain how I did that. That has to do with age, that's why I give that answer.”

How far do you think the Netherlands can go in the World Cup? Let us know in the comments section.

ROTTERDAM - Memphis Depay of Holland celebrate the 3-2 draw during the UEFA Nations League match between the Netherlands and Wales at Feyenoord stadium on June 14, 2022 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. ANP MAURICE VAN STEEN (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Memphis Depay was selected for the tournament (Image: ANP via Getty Images)


Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has been handed the No 4, whiled midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners have been given Nos 21 and 20, respectively.

Despite the former Manchester United boss’ words, there are still some numbers that seem to have aligned with how the side will line up – as PSV winger Cody Gakpo will wear No 8, and attacker Steven Berghuis has been given the No 11 jersey.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 25: Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands Celebrates after scoring his teams 1-0 goal during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 4 match between Netherlands and Belgium at Stadium Feijenoord on September 25, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Michael Bulder/NESImages/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has been handed the No 4 (Image: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Van Gaal was also quizzed about the Dutch fans who are boycotting the World Cup over human rights concerns.

He added: “They are right to do that, but I hope we play so well that at the end of the tournament when we play the final, they'll be watching on TV how good we are.

'We have to play the World Cup in the most experienced football countries.“

The Dutch national side kicks off their Group A campaign against Senegal on Monday.

1 – Remko Pasveer

13 – Justin Bijlow

23 – Andries Noppert

2 – Jurriën Timber

3 – Matthijs de Ligt

4 – Virgil van Dijk

5 – Nathan Aké

6 – Stefan de Vrij

16 – Tyrell Malacia

17 – Daley Blind

22 – Denzel Dumfries

25 – Jeremie Frimpong

11 – Steven Berghuis

The World Cup has already thrown up some interesting aspects
The World Cup has already thrown up some interesting aspects (Image: PA Wire)

14 – Davy Klaassen

15 – Marten de Roon

20 – Teun Koopmeiners

21 – Frenkie de Jong

24 – Kenneth Taylor

26 – Xavi Simons

7 – Steven Bergwijn

8 – Cody Gakpo

9 – Luuk de Jong

10 – Memphis Depay

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