The idea was created by renowned Dutch coach Rinus Michels, and it was later popularized by Johan Cruyff. According to the dynamics of the game, each player is expected to play in any given position in the total football system.
Despite making a significant contribution to football history with this idea, the Netherlands has never claimed the FIFA World Cup. In 1974, 1978, and 2010, their best efforts resulted in them winning the runners-up medal. Additionally, they have only achieved one victory at the European Championship, in 1988.
The current Dutch team is made up of some excellent athletes. They have a strong backline with players like Virgil van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij, and Jurrien Timber. However, their team is deficient in some areas, with the left flank of defense and both sides of the attack having the most obvious omissions.
Virgil van Dijk
Position: Centre-back
Age: 31
Rio Ferdinand said earlier this year that “Virgil van Dijk is the best center-back on the planet right now – without a doubt.” Michael Owen interjected, “I’d go further.” He is, in my opinion, the greatest center-half of all time.
Bobby Moore, Franz Beckenbauer, Daniel Passarella, Franco Baresi, Marcel Desailly, and Fabio Cannavaro were all positional GOAT contenders who excelled in the World Cup. Van Dijk, who has never even participated in a UEFA EURO, will get his shot at the comparatively advanced age of 31.
With his invulnerability, leadership, and menace from set pieces, the Breda boulder has played a crucial role in the resurgence of the Netherlands. With Liverpool, he has achieved everything there is to achieve at the club level, and he is now driven to lead his nation to the trophy that has eluded some outstanding generations.
Denzel Dumfries
Position: Right-Wingback
Age: 26
It seems like something out of a Hollywood movie when you hear about a Dutch child playing international football before he was signed up by a professional football team. It was made true by a youngster with the actor Denzel Washington’s name.
As a 17-year-old playing twice for Aruba in 2014, Dumfries scored a fantastic long-range goal against Guam.
The incredibly confident player quickly informed the ABC Island nation, however, that he would not be playing for them in a match because he was certain he would wear orange in a World Cup someday.
Months later, he was watching a large screen in an Amsterdam square as Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Daley Blind, and Giorginio Wijnaldum, all current internationals, contributed to the Netherlands’ historic 5-1 triumph against Spain in Brazil 2014. Dumfries is now prepared to fulfill his own wildest desire.
Frenkie de Jong
Position: Midfielder
Age: 25
De Jong stated, “I really adore playing football, feeling the ball at my feet. “I’ve wanted to do it my entire life.” In fact, he was so adamant on playing as long as possible that, during his final game for Ajax, with his team leading 4-1, he implored the referee to “please add extra time.”
Now, De Jong will perform on the largest stage of them all. A ball-retention and pass-master, the Gorinchem native has been compared to Franz Beckenbauer and his current Barcelona coach. He would be an ideal fit for either the Spanish tika-taka of South Africa 2010 or the Dutch “Total Football” of the 1970s.
Marc Overmars commented, “With his technique, vision, and passing he may be a new Xavi.” Recently, Xavi himself gushed over his No. 21: “He’s great with the ball at his feet.
Ryan Gravenberch
Position: Midfielder
Age: 20
Gravenberch is one of the most well-rounded midfielders you will find, yet he just turned 20 in May. Possibly young, but by no means unseasoned. When Gravenberch made his Eredivisie debut for Ajax at the age of 16 years and 130 days, he broke Clarence Seedorf’s previous mark. The 6ft 3ins midfielder continued to play for the team, making over 100 games, winning five titles with them, and succeeding in the UEFA Champions League before a recent transfer to Bayern Munich, where he has made a strong start.
Although Gravenberch idolized Zinedine Zidane growing up and credits the Frenchman for his ball control and skill, it is Frank Rijkaard and Paul Pogba with whom he is most often compared.
Memphis Depay
Position: Forward
Age: 28
Mo Salah has scored six goals in his previous 20 international appearances, followed by Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe with 12 each, Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi with 15 each, Harry Kane with 16 and Erling Haaland with 20. Depay scored 21 goals. He is just as essential to the Oranje as oranges are to the Oranjebitter.
Bastian Schweinsteiger praised Depay as a “unbelievable talent,” Georginio Wijnaldum told FIFA that “the team is doing so well because of Memphis,” and current Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal called Depay “one of the most difficult players to stop in the world.” Depay’s combination of unpredictable skills, defense-fracturing through-balls, and lethal finishes also led Bastian Schweinsteiger to praise him as a “unbelievable talent.” Although he is a striker now, he accomplishes much more than only scoring goals.
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