Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal has called Argentina captain Lionel Messi the most dangerous and creative player ahead of their quarter-final clash. The Dutch beat the USA 3–1, while Argentina beat Australia 2–1 to advance to the round of 16 stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
New Delhi,Updates: December 7, 2022 11:58 AM IST
Argentina to face the Netherlands on Dec. 10 (AP)
By India Today Web DeskNetherlands head coach Louis van Gaal has named Argentina captain Lionel Messi as the most dangerous and creative player ahead of their quarter-final clash. The Dutch beat the USA 3–1, while Argentina beat Australia 2–1 to advance to the round of 16 stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of their quarter-final tie, Van Gaal said Messi would be the most dangerous and creative player in their battle with Argentina.
“It’s an intelligent question, honestly. Actually, Messi is the most dangerous and creative player. He can create a lot, create goals and even score. But on the other hand, when the opponent has the ball , so he doesn’t participate much in the game, so we will have chances,” Van Gaal said.
The Dutch coach said he has a score to settle with Argentina, who knocked the Netherlands out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil at the semi-final stage.
“I hope we can win against Argentina. Then we still have a chance to win the World Championship. Everything is possible. It’s not that we have no chance against Argentina. And we have One account. So it would be great if we win this time,” Van Gaal said.
Asked whether Messi is the best player in the world at the moment, the former Manchester United manager said he looks at players positionally, adding that he would play Messi as a No.10.
“You can’t compare apples to pears. In my philosophy, it’s about position, so you should compare positions. He (Messi) plays completely differently in his position than I play in my No.9 Yes, it is very difficult, ”said Van Gaal.
Argentina will play the Netherlands in the first quarter-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on 10 December.