Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has explained playing Tyrell Malacia as a centre-back in the Nations League win over Belgium on Sunday.

Manchester United left-back Malacia started as a stopper in a back-three alongside Virgil Van Dijk and Jurrien Timber.

The Oranje claimed a 1-0 victory thanks to a second-half header from van Dijk, securing their place in the Nations League finals.

When asked about Malacia's new position, Van Gaal told ESPN NL after the game: "I put Malacia in the left centre-back role because Martins Indi is not going to make it to the World Cup squad in time due to injury.

"I have to look at other players who can play there and I wanted to see what Malacia could do, so Ake was substituted."