Ronald Koeman exposes the Dutch plan to stop Lamine Yamal.

Ronald Koeman has revealed how the Netherlands want to tackle Lamine Yamal in their UEFA Nations League clash against Spain.

The two teams will play off in Valencia, with the winner advancing to the June final series as Spain seeks to maintain its crown from 2023.

Mikel Merino's late strike off the bench secured a 2-2 draw for Luis de la Fuente in Rotterdam, and the stakes are high at the Estadio Mestalla.

Lamine Yamal had a quiet night against De Kuip, contributing to Pedri's assist for Nico Williams' opening goal, but his starting status is secure.

De la Fuente has suggested starting Ferran Torres as a replacement for Alvaro Morata between Lamine Yamal and Williams.

In a wide-ranging pre-match press conference, Koeman discussed his experience at Valencia and Barcelona, as well as praised Pedri's growth into one of the world's best central midfielders.

However, the Dutch manager was inevitably questioned about the strategy to keep Lamine Yamal quiet again, with last week's left back Jorrel Hato sidelined due to a red card.

"I don't want to discuss particular players. I believe we handled Lamine Yamal well in the first game, but you can never totally cover a player of that caliber," according to Mundo Deportivo.

"It's not just about who plays at fullback. The other players must also contribute their efforts.

"It's hard to stop a player like that. Because of his ball skills, he has the ability to open up the game at any time.

The natural replacement for Hato appeared to be Arsenal's Jurrien Timber, but he withdrew from Koeman's team due to illness and returned to North London.

Ian Maatsen, an Aston Villa defender, has been called up as a replacement and could make his senior debut due to Koeman's lack of alternative choices.

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