Few national teams in history have been as consistent as the Dutch National Football Team. Some pundits put them in the same bracket as Brazil, Germany and Italy.
Having reached the final of the world cup in 1974,1978 and 2010, they hold the record for playing in the most number of finals without winning any. Netherlands has produced world class players throughout history. Johan Cruyff, Ruud Gullit, Marco Van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp are some of the Dutch Footballing legends while modern greats Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder also hail from Netherlands.
When the Dutch National Football Team lost to Argentina in the world cup semi final penalty shoot out, few could have predicted that they would not qualify for the next Euro in 2016 and the world cup in 2018.
Experienced players Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Nigel de Jong were all on the wrong side of 30. The future wasn’t looking bright. Things weren’t working out. But slowly, away from all the media hype, the Oranje are rising again.
Let’s take a look at the players who are making a difference.
1. Virgil Van Dijk
The monumental Liverpool centre back is the captain. Leading from the back, Van Dijk is regarded as the best Centre Back in the world by many pundits. A natural leader, Van Dijk has an air of authority around him. With him at the heart of the defense, one thing is a guarantee; no forward would want to be up against him.
2. Matthijs de Ligt
Van Dijk’s partner in the centre of the defense. This 19 year old defender from Ajax is regarded as a generational talent. Clubs from all over Europe including FC Barcelona and Ateltico Madrid are reportedly interested in securing his signature and understandably so. To say that the leadership ability he possesses at 19 is rare would be an understatement. Strong and agile, de Ligt has everything one needs to be one of the world’s best. Playing beside an experienced campaigner like Van Dijk would help him get better.
3. Memphis Depay
Though he couldn’t impress during his stint at Manchester United, Memphis Depay has impressed so far for both Lyon and the Dutch National Team. Primarily a winger, he is known for his ability to cut inside and shoot from distance. His pace only adds to his lethal nature.
4. Frenkie de Jong
Fc Barcelona signed him for a mammoth €75 million with another € 11 million in variables. Another one of the future stars, de Jong plays in midfield and is naturally confident on the ball. His passing range, vision and ability to resist press makes him one of the best young players in the world.
5. Quincy Promes
Quincy Promes plays for Sevilla primarily as a winger. His pace and crossing ability are some of his better traits.
6. Georginio Wijnaldum
Playing at the heart of the Liverpool midfield, this Dutch midfielder is one of the most important players in the team. His ability to read the game is pivotal to Liverpool’s success. He is that player who gives the Liverpool midfield a cutting edge.
7. Jasper Cillessen
He is perhaps the best 2nd keeper in world football. He has excellent shot stopping abilities and his reading of the game helps his defense. Whenever he has been given a chance, he has impressed. A lot of pundits question his decision to play second fiddle to Ter Stegen at Barcelona. Whether he moves to a club where he is first choice, remains to be seen.
8. Steven Bergwijn
This PSV Eindhoven player is primarily a winger who can play on either side of the striker. Having played for The Dutch under 17,18,19,20,21 sides he has scored a total of 21 goals. He is already a target for Premier League side Liverpool. Things can only get better for this 21 year old.
The future of the Netherlands National Team looks bright. A wonderful collection of players who look determined to reclaim their team’s former glory, these players will give it their all whenever they take the field. Ronald Koeman and his boys have a tough task at hand. Having already qualified for the Nations League finals, they will look to improve further.
– Kinjal Bhattacharya and Supratim Roy
The Sport Catalogue 