Frenkie de Jong is world-class – yet his Euros absence could be a blessing in disguise
Posted by Joe Baker on June 14th, 2024 07:55 PM | No Comment
Let us be clear - Frenkie de Jong is a world class footballer. Along with Virgil van Dijk, he was one of only two the Netherlands had in their squad for Euro 2024. The Oranje simply do not have another ...
Why signing Jordan Henderson is an excellent move by Ajax
Posted by Joe Baker on January 25th, 2024 07:27 PM | No Comment
If there is one word to use to describe the approach of Ajax to transfer business over the last couple of seasons, ‘intelligent’ would not be one of them.
Although fair sums have been brought in (hello Antony), there is no ...
Dutch defenders – football’s new prized assets?
Posted by Joe Baker on August 29th, 2023 07:43 PM | No Comment
When we think about Dutch football, its impact and those who have defined it, usually it is the creative and attacking players that instinctively spring to mind. The artists of the game who dissected defences and found bottom corners with ...
Why the Netherlands has a serious striker problem
Posted by Joe Baker on July 20th, 2023 06:39 PM | 2 Comments
Over the years, the Netherlands has produced a list of centre forwards so good that you have to double-check that you’ve read it properly. Think Robin van Persie, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Patrick Kluivert, Dennis Bergkamp and Marco van Basten, to name ...
Jeremie Frimpong – an international mystery
Posted by Joe Baker on May 23rd, 2023 06:05 PM | 2 Comments
“It has to do with the system. He is more right winger than right back. And my right back has to be able to defend very well in the first instance. He has played too few games in a four-man ...
Ryan Gravenberch can be as good as Jude Bellingham – if he makes the right move this summer
Posted by Joe Baker on April 20th, 2023 07:06 PM | 2 Comments
Between 2020 and 2022, two immensely talented young central midfielders were lighting up Europe. Similar in age, playing style and profile, they each had first broken into their respective teams and then gone on to become practically undroppable. They were ...
Is Ronald Koeman right for the Netherlands?
Posted by Joe Baker on April 1st, 2023 03:00 PM | 2 Comments
The Netherlands last four major tournament performances read - not qualified, not qualified, second round, quarter final. Even factoring in the natural transitional period following the golden generation that almost won a World Cup in 2010, it is a pitiful ...
Four challengers, one trophy. The state of play in the Eredivisie title race
Posted by Joe Baker on March 18th, 2023 10:41 AM | No Comment
It has felt a while since the Eredivisie had a genuine title race.
Granted last season ended with PSV Eindhoven only two points behind Ajax, yet Eric ten Hag’s side barely broke sweat in the run-in, going 10 games unbeaten. They ...
Virgil van Dijk remains world class – so why should he no longer start for the Netherlands?
Posted by Joe Baker on March 11th, 2023 06:00 PM | 1 Comment
Near the end of this month the Netherlands will begin their latest international tournament cycle, leading to Euro 2024 next summer. And, just like they did during qualification for Euro 2020 and again for Word Cup 2022, they are doing ...
Traditional but effective – why Wout Weghorst should not be underestimated
Posted by Joe Baker on January 17th, 2023 10:28 PM | 1 Comment
Football players are a bit like clothes. They come in and out of fashion. For a period of time a certain type of player, fulfilling a certain role in a team becomes the main trend. Remember when it was in ...
Why joining Liverpool might not be the best long-term move for Cody Gakpo
Posted by Joe Baker on December 28th, 2022 05:29 PM | 4 Comments
After watching the rise of Cody Gakpo over the last few years in the Eredivisie, one of the first things you notice is how good his decision-making is. Yes, he is excellent off both feet, a creator as well as ...
Uninspiring but effective – A defence of Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands side
Posted by Joe Baker on December 1st, 2022 10:19 PM | 7 Comments
For a fan, tournament football can be a complex and conflicting beast. If your team has the potential to go a long way, maybe even all the way, the main priority is surely to just keep progressing forwards, no matter ...