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Netherlands Squad Report: What can be done without Ron Vlaar?

Michael Dudler / REUTERS

With Dutch defender Ron Vlaar potentially out for Wednesday's World Cup semi-final against Argentina with sore knees, coach Louis van Gaal has multiple options to consider for a replacement.

If he wants to continue using five defenders at the back (or three with wing backs, if you prefer), he could simply replace Vlaar in the lineup with Feyenoord defender Terence Kongolo or Ajax center back Joel Veltman.

Another option would be to bring Daryl Janmaat back into the lineup at right wing-back, with Dirk Kuyt returning to a left wing-back role. This would shift the rest of the left side of the back line toward the center. Perhaps Memphis Depay, who was rumored ahead of the Costa Rica match to be preparing to play a left wing-back role against Costa Rica could fill that position as well.

It’s also possible that Vlaar’s absence will prompt van Gaal to go with a more traditional back four of Kuyt or Janmaat, Stefan de Vrij, Bruno Martins Indi and Daley Blind. However, pushing Martins Indi into even more of a central defensive role would be a shame, as his unheralded efforts at left center back have been an important source of ball distribution up the left side.

With Lionel Mesi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain all expected to start Wednesday’s semifinal, perhaps Blind would be better suited to playing in the midfield where he has more experience in a defensive role than any of the other options. This would still allow van Gaal to keep Martins Indi in his current role, use Kuyt as the left wing-back, Janmaat at right back, one of Veltman or Kongolo playing right center back and de Vrij as the anchor center back.

As important as Vlaar has been to the defensive unit, it’s been de Vrij emerging with the better numbers. That’s perhaps a sign of the opposition being more willing to challenge the younger, less experienced defender, but he has answered all of those challenges incredibly well.

Fixtures/Results

Group B  — June 13 — Spain 1 - Netherlands 5

Group B  — June 18 — Australia 2 - Netherlands 3

Group B — June 23  — Netherlands 2 - Chile 0

Round of 16 — June 29 — Netherlands 2 - Mexico 1

Quarterfinal — July 5 —  Netherlands 0 (4) - Chile 0 (3)

Semifinal — July 9 — Netherlands vs. Argentina

Squad News/Rumors/Injury Report

Nigel de Jong (groin) did walking exercises and took part in light training with the rest of the club on Sunday. He’s said to be progressing faster than expected, but remains a long-shot to be in shape for the final.

Leroy Fer (thigh) trained apart from the rest of the squad. He's questionable for the semifinal match against Argentina.

Ron Vlaar (knees) didn't take part in training, and his status for Wednesday's game is doubtful.

Team Leaders

Goals: Arjen Robben - 3; Robin van Persie - 3

Assists: Arjen Robben - 1; Klaas Jan Huntelaar - 1

Shots: Arjen Robben - 17

Passes Completed: Daley Blind - 256

Tackles: Stefan de Vrij - 15

Recoverd Balls: Stefan de Vrij - 34

Saves: Jasper Cillessen - 12

3 Quick Notes

1. Even the abundantly critical Johan Cruyff was impressed with Louis van Gaal’s decision to swap out Jasper Cillessen for Tim Krul ahead of penalties: “This is the sort of thing I love. It's not about Cillessen or Krul being the better keeper, as long as the opposition thinks a world class keeper is coming in.”

2. The Dutch won’t have to worry about Angel di Maria, who is out with a thigh injury. However, they will have to keep an eye on Sergio Aguero, who has been declared fit to play in the semifinals.

3. If you think Arjen Robben running at full pace up the right flank is fast, you should see this linesman shuffle:

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