Van Hooijdonk: Dutch must make changes

Pierre van Hooijdonk has urged the Netherlands to start Khalid Boulahrouz and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for their Euro 2012 clash with Germany.

The Dutch attack failed to fire in their 1-0 defeat to Denmark in the opening game on Saturday, while their back line looked extremely vulnerable on the counter, leading to speculation that manager Bert van Marwijk could make changes for Wednesday’s make-or-break clash with Joachim Low’s men.

Retired Dutch striker Van Hooijdonk suggested replacing the attacking Gregory van der Wiel with Boulahrouz at right-back while also bringing in Schalke forward Huntelaar to spearhead the attack with Robin van Persie shifted out to the right wing.

“We really need to start with Huntelaar,” he told Algemeen Dagblad.

“I also hope the coach has a good conversation with Van Persie and orders him to create chances playing as a right winger.

“Boulahrouz will be more suited (at right-back) against the Germans.

“(Arjen) Robben should play on the left, crossing balls for Huntelaar to score. As for (Ibrahim) Afellay, I would use him as a substitute.”