The Netherlands are one of the most underrated teams in Europe. Because they have few trophies to show for it. Nevertheless, they’ve always been a hurdle for any big team they face. Over the years The Oranje have been able to raise quality players after the end of their golden era. Wherein the majority of these players play for top and big clubs in Europe.
This has made the Netherlands a formidable opponent to face off against in any tournament. Their last major tournament was in the World Cup. They had faced off against Argentina the tournament winners in the quarter finals.
The game was an intense 2-2 stalemate. It took the penalty shootout to decide the winner. This went in favor of Argentina who was more prepared.
In their preparation for the European Championships, they played Friendlies against Canada and Iceland. In which they scored 4 each against the two teams without conceding.
Netherlands Euro 2024 Squad
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Ronald Koeman has prepared a team of experienced and talented players in his Euro 2024 squad. The Dutchman has employed quality stars from different teams and leagues to represent the Netherlands in the tournament. Their team is led by Liverpool’s Skipper Virgil Van Dijk.
Their Squad List is as Follows
Goal Keeper
Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) Mark Flekken (Brentford) Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord)
Defense
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan) Mickey van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur) Daley Blind (Girona) Matthijs de Ligt (Bayern Munich) Nathan Ake (Manchester City) Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan) Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord) Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Midfield
Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta) Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool) Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan) Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig) Joey Veerman (PSV) Jerdy Schouten (PSV) Gini Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq)
Forward
Steven Bergwijn (Ajax) Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid) Brian Brobbey (Ajax) Wout Weghorst (Hoffenheim) Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund) Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
Key Players
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The Netherlands has quite an ample of key players to look out for. Their number 1 is Liverpool’s Skipper Virgil Van Dijk. Being regarded as one of the best defenders of his time, the Netherlands will need that aura from him in the tournament.
In their midfield is Frenkie De Jong. Although his fitness is uncertain. However, Koeman will be hoping he can squeeze out some playing time from the Dutchman. De Jong has been a pivotal player in the Barca team. His fantastic tempo-controlling and ball-keeping ability has placed him in conversations with the world’s best midfielders in his era.
Memphis Depay is also another key player in the Netherlands team. He is a classy player who is experienced in different European leagues. However, there are a lot of questions about his consistency. Koeman will hope he can put off his best show in the tournament.
Talented Players to Look For
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The Netherlands is full of talented players worthy of watching out for. In their Backline they have the likes of Jeremy Frimpong, Micky Van de Ven, Nathan Ake, Matthijs De Ligt, and Denzel Dumfries.
These are players who are and have been influential in their respective clubs. 3 or fewer of them may be employed alongside their Skipper to hold the defense line. Koeman will have quite several blessed options to pick.
Tijjani Reijnders is also an interesting player to look out for. The AC Milan star is quite an unpredictable quality. Possessing possibilities in his foot. He’ll no doubt be an intriguing quality to pay attention to.
Alongside Reijnders is Xavi Simons. The Leipzig attack is also something worth to behold. With quite a lot of interesting potential at his feet.
In the Netherlands frontline, Cody Gakpo is also a player worth keeping an eye on. The Liverpool star had a nice season at the Merseyside. Although not as impressive as he would have wanted. However, the Dutchman is a player not to be slept on.
Possible Formation and Tactics
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Koeman will be interested in employing a 4-3-3 formation. In their defense, the only one guaranteed starter is Virgil Van Dijk. Koeman on the other end will hover around different players to see an outcome. Mixing a breed of young, and experienced players.
In the presence of a fit De Jong. The Netherlands will align their squad around him. However, the reverse will push Koeman into using the likes of Wijnaldum and Reijnders. This is to help cover for his absence.
In their forward, the likes of Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, and Depay may lead the line for the Dutch. And Bergwijn may come off the bench.
Koeman will likely implement a hybrid attacking system. But mainly centered on wing play, crosses, and long diagonal play. The absence or presence of De Jong will determine how often they’ll keep the ball possession.
Potential Lineup without De Jong
Justin Bijlow GK: Denzel Dumfries, Virgil Vandijk, Stefan De Vrij, Nathan Ake: Gini Wijnaldum, Tijjani Reijnders, Teun Koopmeiners: Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay
Potential Lineup with De Jong
Justin Bijlow GK: Denzel Dumfries, Virgil Vandijk, Stefan De Vrij, Nathan Ake: Gini Wijnaldum, Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie De Jong: Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay
More to Come
Netherlands will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland, on the 16th of June. 5 days later they’ll face off against the formidable French team. Finally, they’ll play Austria on the 25th of July.
Ronald Koeman will be hoping to win all their 3 games to secure 9 points. Despite their tough fixture against France, which can hinder the 9-point hope. However, the least Netherlands will want to settle for is a draw against the Le Bleus.
About the Author
Ifeoluwa King is a lover of football and also a sports enthusiast. He’s been a football fan for 20 years. Pick any topic in the world of football and sports, and you’ll find him there. For more information about him and more of his awesome content, you can visit his X (Twitter) handle: @kng7.
