DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP gaffers should definitely be considering Netherlands assets carefully when constructing their XIs.
The Oranje are undefeated in their last 15 games, a run which includes meetings with Belgium, Germany and Denmark.
Not only are they playing some great football under Louis van Gaal, they were gifted a relatively friendly World Cup draw in Group A alongside Ecuador, Senegal and hosts Qatar.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the Netherlands squad and single out their best players, potential flops, and bargain options.
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BEST PLAYERS
Virgil van Dijk is the established leader at the back but gaffers might be better off backing Denzel Dumfries.
The Inter Milan wing-back was one of the stars of Euro 2020 and his attacking threat makes him an extremely tempting option – he’s scored five goals and provided four assists in his last 19 international appearances.
In midfield, most eyes will be on Frenkie de Jong but the Barcelona star operates in deeper areas – gaffers should focus on playmakers and wingers who come alive in the final third.
Steven Berghuis is a better fit, he’s scored eight goals and provided six assists for Ajax already this season – the 30-year-old is an underrated talent outside his homeland.
Total Football is in the Dutch DNA and the current squad pack a serious punch in attack.
Goals are flowing freely for Steven Bergwijn and Cody Gakpo this season but Memphis Depay remains the main man.
The 28-year-old has been starved of action at club level recently but he’s scored 21 goals in his last 20 outings for Netherlands – he’s a dark horse for the Golden Boot.
POTENTIAL FLOPS
Obviously there are no genuine flops heading to Qatar with Netherlands but there are some Dream Team trap doors to swerve.
For example, gaffers should be aware that Matthijs de Ligt is not a certain starter despite the fact Van Gaal prefers three centre-backs.
Nathan Ake is highly likely to start to left of Van Dijk which leaves De Ligt battling it out with Stefan de Vrij and Jurrien Timber on the right-hand side of the back three.
The Bayern Munich defender may well get the nod but it’s not a sure thing, so tread lightly.
Ryan Gravenberch was a Netherlands regular last year but a transfer to Bayern has killed his momentum, he’s played just 165 minutes of league football this season and will likely be benchwarmer in Qatar too.
BARGAIN OPTIONS
It’s rare to find a true bargain among the top teams as quality usually comes at a price but there is one value-for-money option in the Dutch ranks.
As previously mentioned, Ake is likely to start as the left-sided centre-back and so his provisional price range of £3m – £3.5m looks potentially generous.
Sadio Mane’s Senegal are not to be underestimated but Netherlands will fancy their chances of keeping clean sheets against Qatar and Ecuador – the Man City man is definitely a viable option.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
