Netherlands had a great run in the UEFA Nations League a few years ago which laid a great platform for a push for European glory in the summer but injury to captain Virgil Van Dijk has massively affected their place in the list of pre-tournament favourites. Moreover, their attacking trio lacks the fire power when compared to France, Belgium or Portugal.
Probable starting Lineup: Tim Krul; Denzel Dumfries, Mathijs De Ligt, Stefan De Vrij, Owen Wijndal; Frenkie De Jong, Georginio Wijnaldum, Davy Klaassen; Steven Berghuis, Luuk De Jong/Donyell Malen, Memphis Depay.
Defence: Netherlands have some of the best centre backs in world football so it isn’t surprising that they tend to be solid at the back. Even in the absence of Virgil Van Dijk, they can pair up Mathijs De Ligt and Stefan De Vrij while also having quality alternatives in the form of Nathan Ake and Daley Blind on the bench. Denzel Dumfries and Owen Wijndal will be seen on the flanks of the Dutch defence.
Midfield: The midfield will have to step up for Frank de Boer’s side this summer. Frenkie De Jong has established himself as one of the best ball playing defensive midfielders over the last few years, while Gini Wijnaldum has been very prolific in front of goal while playing for the Oranje. Donny Van De Beek’s limited opportunities at Old Trafford will mean that Davy Klaassen is the front runner for the third spot in midfield. This is a solid midfield and will have to help out in both defence and attack.
Attack: This is the biggest cause for concern if you are an admirer of Dutch football. A team which had the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie just a decade ago, could be facing problems to break down strong defences. Memphis Depay will definitely be the biggest threat among the Dutch forwards. They could either trust Luuk De Jong or back young Donyell Malen to step up to the plate. It will be interesting to see if Steven Berghuis can carry his Feyenoord form to the Euros.
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