Van der Vaart backs Arne Slot and Winston Bogarde for Dutch bench

Rafael van der Vaart stepped onto a bustling Amsterdam café terrace today, declaring that the Netherlands national team should look to Arne Slot and Winston Bogarde to fill the void left by Ronald Koeman. Slot, fresh from a Premier League title with Liverpool in his first season, is free and ready. The departure of Koeman has sparked intense speculation about his successor, a debate Van der Vaart has entered with his own suggestions. Van der Vaart argues that the Dutch side needs a coach who can serve as a clear figurehead. Speaking to the , Van der Vaart said, “Slot is free and that would be the easiest solution. But also one of the best appointments. He is the right type, has a good presence, is communicatively very strong and, thanks to his period in England, where he won the Premier League with Liverpool in his first year, is now a big name.” He added that Slot’s availability makes him the simplest choice for the national job.

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Van der Vaart emphasized that Oranje must adopt an attacking philosophy, noting, “Moreover you know that Slot does not play defensively and never thinks that way. He loves good attacking football and he knows, thanks to the time in England, what the demands are at the international top.” The former international believes Slot’s English experience aligns with the expectations of modern international competition. While praising Slot, Van der Vaart cautioned that the Dutch team is not yet at the level he envisions with Slot alone. He said the staff also needs “power” in the assistant role to complement the head coach. For the assistant position, Van der Vaart pointed to Winston Bogarde, stating, “When he was on the bench at Ajax there was energy coming from there. He also taught players how to devour the opponent. If there was turmoil or trouble along the line, we have Winston on the bench.” He also referenced John de Wolf’s influence at Feyenoord, adding that such characters earn respect and can act as a “twelfth man” for the squad. Van der Vaart’s proposals aim to give the Netherlands national team a charismatic leadership core that blends attacking ambition with seasoned support staff. If adopted, the combination of Slot’s tactical outlook and Bogarde’s motivational presence could reshape Oranje’s approach on the international stage.