Analysis of EURO 2021: The Netherlands are missing their biggest star, but they are still bringing in a pretty good squad

The Netherlands have assembled a relatively good squad for the championship, which does not reach the quality of the 2010 team, but even so, the Dutch would not have to play second fiddle in the tournament. Coach Frank de Boer has put together a mix of youth and experience, but is missing his biggest star Virgil Van Dijk.

The Liverpool stopper and national team captain is still not feeling fit after a knee injury and will not travel to the tournament. This may be all the more unfortunate because the Dutch will play all three of their regular group matches on home soil at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam.

They will face Ukraine, Austria and North Macedonia. Frank de Boer’s charges are the clear favourites to top the group.

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Valencia), Tim Krul (Norwich City), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax Amsterdam)

The Dutch number one was Jasper Cillessen, but he has been plagued by frequent injuries this season and has only played 10 games for Valencia. In his absence he was replaced by the experienced Tim Krul, but Cillessen should catch at the championship.

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax Amsterdam), Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Denzel Dumfries (PSV Eindhoven), Jurriem Timber (Ajax Amsterdam), Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace), Joel Veltman (Brighton), Owen Wijndal (AZ Alkmaar)

In the qualifiers, the Dutch played regularly in a 4-3-3 formation, but in both friendlies before the EURO they played in a 5-3-2 formation. Blind and De Ligt were regulars in the midfield, but de Vrij and Timber also got a chance in the friendlies. It’s hard to say whether this was a dress rehearsal for the championship or they were just being tested.

Owen Wijndal, the 21-year-old Alkmaar defender, is a regular on the left edge of defence. Denzel Dumfries from Eindhoven is on loan at right-back.

Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch, Davy Klaassen (both Ajax Amsterdam), Teun Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar), Donny van de Beek (Manchester United), Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)

Frank de Boer regularly relies on the trio of Frenkie de Jong, Georginio Wijnaldum and Marten de Roon in the centre of midfield. He also has Manchester United’s Donny van de Beek or Ajax’s Davy Klaassen ready on the bench.

Frenkie de Jong is the team’s biggest star in Van Dijk’s absence. The Oranjes will be betting heavily on the 24-year-old Barcelona midfielder.

Forwards: Steven Berghuis (Feyenoord), Luuk de Jong (Sevilla), Memphis Depay (Olympique Lyon), Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen (both PSV Eindhoven), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moscow), Wout Weghorst (Wolfsburg)

If the Dutch run out in a 4-3-3 formation, Memphis Depay is likely to start on the left wing, Luuk de Jong on the tip and either Donyell Malen or Quincy Promes on the right wing.

In the case of the two strikers, Depay and Weghorst have operated alongside each other in friendlies. The latter could also possibly be replaced by Sevilla’s De Jong.

Key factors for success: De Jong’s freedom and team performance

Frenkie de Jong is an exceptional type of footballer who can create and convert chances. If he keeps his hands free, he won’t have to think so much about defending, he can supply Depay and co. with very good passes.

When stars like Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie were playing for the Oranjes, the Dutch were often talked about as a collection of cocky individuals more interested in their own glory than team success.

But Frank de Boer has based everything on team spirit, he doesn’t look at player egos and it’s paying off quite well. If the Dutch keep up the trend, it could take them far.

Quarterfinals

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