Ronald Koeman admitted Jeremie Frimpong has been left out of the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup due to his lack of gametime at Liverpool this season.
Frimpong was a surprise exclusion from Koeman’s 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
Frimpong has endured a difficult campaign since arriving for £29million from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, hampered by three separate injury setbacks and an inability to secure a regular position.
And Komean revealed: “I didn’t take Frimpong because of what I saw in the season. Several physical problems.
“Let’s remember the match against Ecuador [friendly in March], when he came on at halftime and soon left, injured. I had to choose, and I opted for another on the right flank.”
The Netherlands boss then added: “(Mats) Wieffer enters the list as a defender. With Frimpong’s problems, I see him as someone who can score more from the full-back position. He’s been doing this well at Brighton.”
But while Frimpong has missed out, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo have all been included in Koeman’s squad.
The Netherlands are in Group F, which means they will play Wataru Endo‘s Japan on June 14, Alexander Isak‘s Sweden six days later, and will conclude their group stage campaign against Tunisia on June 26.
Jeremie Frimpong has been left off Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands roster for the FIFA World Cup.(Image: 2025 Rene Nijhuis/MB Media)