Netease Sports, September 2nd Report:
In the early hours of September 2nd Beijing time, the Dutch team officially announced the selection of their new captain. Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel has become the new leader of the Orange Army. Ten years after being selected for the national team, this strong midfielder finally wears the captain's armband.
Van Bommel becomes the captain of the Dutch team
This weekend, the qualifying matches for the 2012 European Championship will officially kick off. The Dutch team will face San Marino away in the early hours of September 4th Beijing time. This is the first formal match appearance of the Dutch team since the World Cup, with former captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst retiring, Van Bommel will become the new owner of the captain's armband.
During the World Cup, the 33-year-old Van Bommel was already the vice-captain of the Dutch team, and his promotion to the top position can be said to be well-deserved. In October 2000, he made his debut for the Orange Army against Cyprus. Over the ten years, he has represented the Netherlands in 63 games. During the World Cup, this midfielder performed excellently and became one of the key players who helped the Dutch team reach the final.
In terms of experience, Van Bommel can be considered the elder brother of the current Dutch national team. From a personal relationship perspective, Van Bommel is also the son-in-law of head coach Bert van Marwijk. During his tenure at Bayern Munich and PSV Eindhoven, Van Bommel had previously served as captain, and with age, he has gained the ability and qualifications to become the national team captain.
Speaking about the appointment of the new captain, Van Marwijk said: "We discussed with the technical team of the team before making the decision. Mark (Van Bommel) meets the criteria in terms of age and position. He has been the captain at both Bayern Munich and PSV Eindhoven."
Regarding the tactical approach of the new Dutch team, Van Marwijk hinted that the Dutch team would continue to use the tactical system from the World Cup: "There may be other ways to win, but the players understand the importance of stability. They know the goals and what needs to be done."
In the predicted starting lineup provided by The Guardian, there have been significant changes compared to the first official match lineup of the Dutch team during the World Cup. In defense, Brecht Depreter and Anneli de Vries may get opportunities; Hamburg winger Eljero Elia will get a chance; on the offensive end, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who has transferred to Schalke 04, is expected to return to the starting lineup.
(Source: Netease Sports, Author: Existence)