Van Gaal: Netherlands have more quality than the 2014 squad

Van Gaal led the

to the semi-finals in 2014 with players like Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, and Arjen Robben but now he thinks his current squad is better than that squad.

Ahead of the game against

Van Gaal said in a press conference:

"We have an average quality higher than 2014. I'm not talking about the top players we had at the time, perhaps Memphis is at that level and might reach that level, and Frenkie de Jong perhaps.

"But then the matches were decided by players like Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder. That's just the way it was.

"Now in our squad we have a much higher average. Forwards like Memphis, [Steven] Bergwijn, [Cody] Gakpo. I hope that will be a pleasant surprise."

Van Gaal also said his team can take advantage of the possible elimination of Germany and Argentina who both lost in their first game.

”I didn't see all the matches, but the fact that Germany and Argentina lost is somewhat telling, but I always say it's easier to defend than it is attack.

"I heard that Germany missed a lot of chances and then they lose. This has got to do with team discipline. This is why I say this group is great.

"They're the ones who have to put it into practice, execute my instructions for 90 minutes. If they don't perform as well, you put in the next player who will do his utmost."

Van Gaal confirmed

is not 100 percent fit and may once again start the match on the bench.

"With Memphis, he was training in Amsterdam and that was individual,"

he added.

 "Now he needs to train with the team.

"We've increased intensity, he's played 30 minutes now. He isn't grappling too much with the issues. We're proceeding with the next step, which is 45 minutes.

"We're trying to extend that, because the injury he has makes it so difficult to decide when he can start.

"He's quite an extraordinary player, so I've set aside my principles because I consider him incredibly important."

Gakpo and Davy Klaassen both scored for the Netherlands against Senegal. This is the first time that the Netherlands had two different players score in their first World Cup match since 1994.

Van Gaal also praised Gakpo and said he has what it takes to become a superstar.

"He is a player with a lot of talent and potential, but he is young, and he's a player that's still developing, he has a lot of room for improvement,"

Van Gaal said.

"He's a personality to do whatever it takes. It is possible that he can become a star."

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