Van Basten names Netherlands star who can man-mark Messi for 90minutes

Netherlands legend, Marco van Basten, has identified Jurrien Timber as the player who can man-mark Argentina legend Lionel Messi out for 90 minutes when both teams meet in the quarter-final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Friday.

The World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and Netherlands will be played at the Lusail Stadium.

The Netherlands will have to keep Messi, who has been Argentina’s best player so far, quiet if they are to qualify for the semi-final of the World Cup.

However, Van Basten believes Argentina will struggle if their star player Messi is kept quiet.

“If we have a player who can man-mark Messi for 90 minutes long, we have to do it. Italy did it too with [Diego] Maradona. Without Messi, Argentina is a lot less. Timber might be able to do it,” Van Basten said (as quoted by @TheEuropeanLad on Twitter).

“Messi totally doesn’t defend with the team, you pretty much play 11 vs 10. You just need to be aware that he’s not the one who receives the ball once we lose the ball.”