Janssen gets a chance in Orange against Wales as a reference point

“I am looking for a reference point,” van Gaal explained why Janssen was included in his selection. “Bergoyne and Memphis are two different types. If we switch to a system with three strikers, then I should have a focal point that can also score easily. It might fit my vision.”

To his surprise, 27-year-old Janssen was named to the Orange team’s four-match pick this month in the new edition of the Nations League. He did not earn playing time in his first three international matches. Janssen arrived in Zeist only last Tuesday, having married a few days earlier in the United States. Jansen last played for the national team against Sweden on October 10, 2017.

Van Gaal did not want to give up his starting lineup for the match against Wales. He will choose many different players from last Saturday against Poland (2-2). Matthijs de Ligt, who has recovered from a minor thigh injury, is the captain of the Orange team. Goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen returns from under the crossbar. Bruno Martins Indy and Gus Till have had little time to play in their previous three international matches. They are also expected to get a chance against Wales.

Orange is in the middle of the Nations League with 7 points, at the top of Group 4 of the First Division. Belgium and Poland follow with 4 points. Wales has only one point so far. At the start of the new season, the Dutch national team will conclude the group stage of the national competition with matches against Poland (September 22) and Belgium (September 25). Next June, the group winner will compete for the overall victory in the third edition of the UEFA European Football Championship.

“This is great for the players and my successor, Ronald Koeman,” said Van Gaal, who will bid farewell to Orange after the World Cup. “I also want to win, but this match is also part of the process we are following towards the Qatar World Cup.”