'Because of what I saw' - Ronald Koeman's brutal response when asked why Jeremie Frimpong isn't going to the World Cup

Ronald Koeman offered an honest but brutal response explaining why he left out Liverpool star Jeremie Frimpong from his World Cup squad.

In his second spell as manager of the Dutch national team, Koeman announced his 26-man squad on Wednesday and included a total of 14 players from the Premier League.

Virgil van Dijk will captain the Oranje, with the likes of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, Tottenham's Micky van de Ven and Manchester City pair Tijjani Reijnders and Nathan Ake making the cut.

Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen is expected to be in between the sticks, with Sunderland's Brian Brobbey, Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert and Jorrel Hato of Chelsea also among those in.

But while Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch provided further representation for Liverpool, their teammate and compatriot Frimpong surprisingly did not get the nod.

Capped 15 times for his country, the right wing-back has been left disappointed, with Koeman leaving him out because of persistent injury problems in recent times.

"I didn't take Frimpong because of what I saw in the season," Koeman explained in his press conference.

"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."

Frimpong was overlooked by Koeman for the World Cup. Image: Getty

The player in question is Brighton's Mats Wieffer, who is on the list as a defender despite being able to play in a defensive midfield position.

Koeman added: "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."

Who else is in the Netherlands's World Cup squad?

Jan Paul van Hecke and Robin Roefs of Brighton and Sunderland, respectively, are in the mix, as is Crysencio Summerville despite West Ham's relegation from the Premier League.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong will anchor the Netherlands' midfield, with Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries flying up the right flank.

Now plying his trade in Brazil with Corinthians, record goalscorer Memphis Depay has been selected, but there is no place for misfiring Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee or Burnley's Zian Flemming.

Netherlands 26-man World Cup squad in full

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen)

Defenders: Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton)

Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Tijjani Reijnders (Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Quinten Timber (Marseille), Guus Til (PSV), Mats Wieffer (Brighton)

Forwards: Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Memphis Depay (Corinthians), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Noa Lang (Galatasaray), Donyell Malen (Roma), Crysencio Summerville (West Ham), Wout Weghorst (Ajax)

Netherlands take on Algeria and Uzbekistan in warm-up friendly games prior to the inaugural 48-team tournament, where they have been drawn in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia.

Their first game against Japan is in Arlington, Texas, on 14 June, before they take on Sweden on 20 June in Houston and Tunisia in Kansas City six days later.