EURO 2021 analysis: the Netherlands and their chances

The Dutch national team has a lot to make up for. The last two major tournaments were without its participation, so there will be no shortage of motivation for the Oranjes. Coach Frank de Boer has called up a very interesting squad and one can inoculate that they should play first in Group C.

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

Norwich City’s Tim Krul has been the main man between the three sticks in recent games, but it’s quite possible that the younger Jasper Cillessen, who is now catching for Valencia after a stint at Barcelona in Catalonia, could get a chance.

However, Cillessen is currently plagued by coronavirus and so it is questionable how long and in what condition he will be available again.

On the other hand, the Norwich goalkeeper has been catching with such iron regularity in Cillessen’s absence that one wonders whether he should be the number one goalkeeper for the European 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)

The left side of the defence should most likely be manned by AZ Alkmaar’s 21-year-old Owen Wijndal. He should be backed up by Patrick van Aanholt from Crystal Palace.

In the midfield, Matthijs de Ligt and Daley Blind will combine youth and experience. Both of them kicked together for two seasons for Ajax, which apart from their individual performances is just another reason to put them side by side.

The right side will belong to PSV Eindhoven’s Denzel Dumfries, who, like Wijndal on the other side of the pitch, De Boer is betting heavily on.

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)

The starting line-up will certainly not be without the presence of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, who has developed into a key player for the Blaugranas over two years, and Georginio Wijnaldum from Klopp’s Liverpool. T

these two players are mostly complemented by Ajax returnee Davy Klaassen and Manchester United’s more offensive-minded midfielder Donny van de Beek could also get his chance.

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)

Memphis Depay, the driving force for the Dutch national team in terms of offensive effort, will not be missing from the attacking formation. His attempts should be supported, for example, by Sevilla’s Luuk de Jong, who will alternate with Wolfsburg’s Wout Weghorst at the tip of the attack. Feynoord’s Steven Berghuis should also make his way into the starting eleven.

Key factors: Depay’s form, the functioning of the unit

It can be said without scruples that the offensive potency of Frant de Boer’s charges stands and falls on the form and skill of Memphis Depay. The former Manchester United player is a lion’s share of the Oranjes’ goals.

If the tournament goes well for him, the Netherlands can think about the highest ranks. The game as a whole will also be an important factor. The Nations League has already shown how good a team the orange-clad footballers can be. Provided they can maintain their cohesion and team concept, they can be the dark horse of the tournament.

Prediction: 2nd place

Sources: Transfermarkt, Livesport