Keep our prayers up for the big man - Dutch stars wish Koeman well

Netherlands international stars have wished head coach Ronald Koeman well in his recovery from heart surgery.

Koeman was taken to hospital on Sunday and underwent a successful cardiac catheterisation on Sunday, his agent confirmed.

The 57-year-old was due to be discharged to continue his recovery from home on Monday and Dutch players Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum, Marten de Roon and Ryan Babel all offered messages of support via social media.

Lyon forward Depay, who scored six goals during the Netherlands' successful Euro 2020 qualification campaign under Koeman, posted on Instagram: "Let's keep our prayers up for the big man! #HeLeadsTheNewWave."

Atalanta's De Roon has established himself as a key presence alongside Frenkie de Jong at the base of Koeman's midfield and tweeted: "All the best with your recovery boss. Let's make sure we can smile together real soon. Take care."

Former Liverpool forward Babel posted a picture of himself and Koeman shaking hands on his Instagram story, while current Anfield favourite Wijnaldum tweeted: "Wishing you soon recovery coach."

Koeman led his country to second place at the inaugural Nations League Finals in 2019 and sealed qualification for Euro 2020, which has now been postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That ended the Netherlands' dispiriting run of failing to reach a major tournament since their run to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.