Memphis and RVP Dropped from Netherland Squad

Danny Blind has not been impressed by either
player, insisting both have struggled since summer
moves to Manchester United and Fenerbache,
respectively

Robin van Persie and Memphis Depay have been dropped by
Danny Blind for the latest Netherlands squad, while Arjen
Robben has returned.

The Oranje coach has spoken repeatedly of his
disappointment in Van Persie's inability to claim a regular
starting spot at Fenerbahce following his summer move, but
has left him out of his squad for the first time.

Depay, meanwhile, has struggled with consistency at
Manchester United since a big-money move from PSV, not
failing to score or assist a goal since September for club or
country.

"Robin never got back into his rhythm after his transfer,"
Blind told reporters. "That is not a good sign. But his
absence is not forever. In terms of potency, Robin is still the
best.

"It's a new era. With a view to building to the World Cup, I
have to see the other players at work. I must look to the
future."

Netherlands face Wales on November 11 and Germany on
November 17 in their first friendly matches following their
failure to qualify for Euro 2016, and the coach insists he
must start building towards the 2018 World Cup by
sacrificing the nation's all time highest scorer.

Blind also revealed that he spoke to Eredivisie top goalscorer
Dirk Kuyt about a possible return to the team, but the
Feyenoord player would only consider it if he could
guarantee him a starting place.

"I sounded out Kuyt for the last two matches. But he only
wanted to come back if I could guarantee him a starting
place. I could not, so he is not included," he added.
Netherlands squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Maarten Stekelenburg
(Southampton), Kenneth Vermeer, Jeroen Zoet (PSV).

Defenders: Jeffrey Bruma (PSV), Virgil van Dijk
(Southampton), Daryl Janmaat (Newcastle United), Terence
Kongolo (Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (Marseille), Jairo
Riedewald (Ajax), Kenny Tete (Ajax), Joel Veltman (Ajax).

Midfielders: Daley Blind (Manchester United), Vurnon Anita
(Newcastle United), Jordy Clasie (Southampton), Davy
Klaassen (Ajax), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Marko
Vejinovic (Feyenoord), Georginio Wijnaldum (Newcastle
United).

Attackers: Bas Dost (Wolfsburg), Eljero Elia (Feyenoord),
Anwar El Ghazi (Ajax), Luuk de Jong (PSV), Quincy Promes
(Spartak Moscow), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).