FORMATION
The debate rages among Dutch fans at every major tournament about whether or not the Netherlands will play their preferred formation of four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards.
Abandoning that 4-3-3 setup was part of the reason that De Boer fell out of favor at Euro 2020, but don't expect Van Gaal to immediately jump back to the system that is drummed into Dutch soccer players from the youngest youth squads right up to the Ajax team.
Van Gaal has been training this year a system with three defenders, four midfielders, two forwards and a player floating just behind the forwards. He says it means "that an opponent always has to adapt."
But Van Gaal will keep opposing teams guessing in Qatar and is always prepared to change the way his team sets up - even during matches.
What system he uses on any given day "depends on the qualities of the opponent," he told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
MEMPHIS
Memphis Depay was one of the break-out stars of the World Cup in Brazil. These days, he's most often seen on Barcelona's bench watching Robert Lewandowski at work.
Van Gaal has in the past said he only selects players who are playing regular club soccer. He will make an exception for Depay, who is well on his way to becoming the Netherlands' all-time top scorer.
Depay's last goal, against Wales in June, took his international tally to 42, level in second place on the list with Klaas Jan Huntelaar. Robin van Persie is alone on top with 50 goals.
"It's always important to play ... and I've done a lot less of that recently," Depay told NOS in September.
But the ever-confident striker said he is in no doubt he will be ready in time for the Netherlands' first match against Senegal on Nov. 21.
"I give everything in training to show that I belong here," Depay said, "and can be important for my country."