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Koeman ready to follow Albion lead with Wieffer in Holland squad

Wieffer returns the Oranje set-up after missing the last four international windows.

He is one of three Albion players in the 26, along with Bart Verbruggen and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Wieffer earned the last of his 14 caps to date almost a year ago, when he went on as a substitute for Ryan Gravenberch at half-time in an 8-0 win over Malta.

By that time, he had played just a few games in what appeared to be a short-lived stand-in role as right-back.

He has continued in that position this season, usually selected ahead of specialist and compatriot Joel Veltman.

Wieffer was listed among the midfield men as the Dutch FA announced their squad.

But head coach Koeman told a press conference: “I now see Mats Wieffer more as a right-back than as a midfielder."

Hurzeler has explained why believes the role suits Wieffer’s attributes.

He told a recent press conference: “I hope that he also likes himself as a right-back!

“I think that's the most important thing. It's always important to understand the quality and strength from a player and then try to find a good fit for him.

“We gave him the chance and we saw in him a possible right-back because he has some qualities we don't have.

“He adapted quite quickly. Of course, there are always some moments where he can improve.

“How we want to see our right-back is very inverted, so he comes into positions where he is normally a six, especially in an offensive way.

“That's why we want to give him the freedom that he can express himself as a midfielder, especially when we have the ball and that's why we also see a lot of actions when he attacks the box, when he's able to create a chance in these areas where normally the sixes are.

“We try to give him the space and the freedom that he can express himself the best he can do.”

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