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Ronald Koeman has hinted he could look to rest some of his stars in Netherlands’ final World Cup qualifier later, which could be good news for Arne Slot and Liverpool.
The Dutch host Lithuania later as they look to wrap up their place at next year’s tournament. Friday’s draw against Poland didn’t quite do the job, although with a three-point lead and a 13-goal advantage in their group, it would take a remarkable set of results to deny them qualification.
Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo will all be in contention to start once again, with the Liverpool trio all regular starters for their country and - fitness permitting - will all be on the plane to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With their qualification all but secure though, Koeman may take the opportunity to give some of his players a much-needed rest.
The Netherlands boss didn’t quite go as far as confirming that plan when he spoke at his press conference on Sunday, although he did admit to having some concerns over his players' fitness.
"Things won't go wrong anymore, so you can also look at player fatigue," Koeman said.
"We want to make it a good match, with good football and goals."
Whether Van Dijk, Gravenberch or Gakpo will be afforded any sort of a rest against Lithuania remains to be seen, although it would come as a boost for Slot ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League return against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Netherlands do have four players out injured, with Justin Kluivert having pulled out of the squad along with Wout Weghorst, Denzel Dumfries and Quilindschy Hartman, while Jan Paul van Hecke’s suspension further limits Koeman’s options.
The Dutch boss is looking for a response from his side later, having been left less than impressed by their efforts against Poland, with Van Dijk and his fellow defenders having come in for some criticism.
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"There were also moments when we were outplayed too easily. That urgency can and must improve,” Koeman said on Sunday.
"There was no joy afterwards, not because we didn't qualify, but more because it wasn't a good match. We didn't create many chances, and on defence, a few things shouldn't have happened.
"It's good that we feel that way. You don't have to be a nine or a 10 [out of 10] every match, but you have to be more consistent in lesser matches."
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