Virgil Van Dijk states that the Netherlands must come together as a team to stop the threat posed by Kylian Mbappe. The Dutch captain emphasizes that it will require a collective effort as a team rather than relying on individuals to limit the impact of the France forward. Both teams square off later this week in Group D of the ongoing Euro 2024. Fans and football lovers all anticipate a cracker between the two favorites.
Van Dijk Netherlands Off to a Positive Start
The Dutch kickstarted their Euro campaign with an important win by defeating Poland 2-1 in Hamburg on Sunday. Another win against France will Automatically book a spot in the round of 16 for Van Dijk and the Netherlands.
However with the completion of his long-awaited move to Real Madrid coming before the start of the tournament. Kylian Mbappe will be super focused on leading his team to winning the tournament. Ahead of their clash, Netherlands captain Van Dijk identifies the 25-year-old as the player they must nullify.
The Dutch captain said,
“Look, everyone knows his qualities.”
Further peaking Van Dijk told reporters.
“We have to be at our best as a team to stop them [France] from scoring, but he is a world-class that can make the difference in a split second.”
Van Dijk Believes Netherland Can Win
The Dutch captain speaking
“We have to be ready as a team for a different kind of challenge [from Poland]. And I think we’ve shown what we can do over the last couple of games.”
Speaking on the quality of the team,
“We have a top-level defense ready to be tested on Friday.”
Although Van Dijk acknowledged their past struggles against France, however, he insists he and his teammates will be ready.
“We struggled in our last couple of games against them, but I am looking forward to it. The focus will be on recovery and making sure everything is ready for the huge test ahead.”
Van Dijk Analysis of Netherland’s Win
Wout Weghorst had to come off the bench to score the winner and secure all three points against Poland. His goal came just two minutes after coming on late in the game.
The attacking department had a miserable game after missing numerous clear-cut chances. The former Manchester United Striker was required to bail them out later in the game. And subsequently maintained his recent scoring form for his country, scoring seven goals In his last eleven games.
However, Van Dijk states that the win is a testament to the team’s patience and the individual ability to make a difference. Speaking he said,
“You just have to stay calm and patient and I think we did.
Further speaking,
“I think it is very important to keep pushing, keep the confidence in each other and I think we did. Guys who came off the bench made a difference and that’s what we need. I don’t think there is anyone in the team that has a give-up mentality. It’s about keep going and trying to keep creating.”
Van Dijk added the importance of the bench impacting a game when needed using the game against Poland as a major reference.
Conclusion
The game against France poses a major test to both Virgil Van Dijk and the Dutch National team. Giving their struggles in front of a goal against a Polish team that isn’t expected to go all the way. One will only wonder how they can contain the formidable attacking threat posed by the French attack led by Kylian Mbappe. On the other end of the pitch also try to break the defence of the 2018 World Cup winners.
About the Author
Edmund Jaja is a sports enthusiast, Content Writer, Editor, and Storyteller from Nigeria. He has been a die-hard Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, and Manchester United fan since the Fergie era. With a background and experience in Psychology, he has the zeal, passion, and creativity to inspire through writing.
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