Ruud set to lead Dutch team
Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Holland coach Marco van Basten is set to bring out the big guns as his side step up their Euro 2008 preparations in a friendly against Denmark.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will all return to the Oranje squad for the game on Thursday after being rested for the 3-0 victory over Ukraine last weekend. "We are certainly going to use these players against Denmark," Van Basten confirmed.

The meeting with Denmark will present the coach with another chance to look at his side as he considers his starting XI for the European opener against Italy on June 9.

Sneijder is of particular interest to Van Basten, who has yet to decide which role the Real Madrid midfielder will fill in Austria and Switzerland.

"Before the match against Italy, there has to be clarity about the entire line-up. At the moment nothing has been decided apart from Van Nistelrooy and Van der Sar," the coach explained.

"Against Croatia in February, Sneijder played in a line of three behind a deep striker.

"Last month against Austria he stood in front of the defence in the second half. We can play Wesley in several positions."

Striker Van Nistelrooy is keen to make the most of his Euro 2008 campaign after being given a second chance under Van Basten.

The pair fell out during the World Cup two years ago, but the Madrid forward returned to the international set-up last year following clear-the-air talks with the coach.

Although Van Nistelrooy admits their relationship is "professional", he is happy to be given such a huge vote of confidence by Van Basten.

"It is strictly business between Van Basten and me," he said. "We know what our goals are so we can talk about soccer as well as about other things.

"It's nice that Van Basten says there is no doubt about the striker position in Oranje. It gives me peace, it is not so much of an issue."


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