Full ratings for Netherlands in their 0-0 draw with Colombia on Tuesday in an entertaining international friendly.
- By Michael Bell
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Netherlands battled for the draw against the talented South American’s after going down to ten men after only 35 minutes. National team coach Louis van Gaal even called the performance the best he has seen since taking charge.
Player ratings as follows:
Goalkeeper: Jasper Cillessen 7/10
Solid performance by the Ajax keeper, who made two decent saves in the second half as Colombia piled on the pressure. An improved performance after the Japan draw on Saturday
Right Back: Gregory van der Wiel 7/10
His pace was useful on the right hand side of defence, not only quelling attacks, but also steaming forward in the second half to stop the Dutch being penned in. Did well against Victor Ibarbo who came on in the second half, and wasn’t fazed by the strength of the Cagliari winger.
Left Back: Daley Blind 7/10
Dealt with a number of crosses towards the back post, and linked well with Memphis Depay in the early stages before the sending off. Came up against Colombia’s most dangerous outlet in Juan Cadrado, but did a fine job.
Centre Back: Joel Veltman 9/10
An outstanding performance by the Ajax debutante, only denied a 10 out of ten for an error in the first half which could have been costly, when he was caught on the ball. Cleared everything that came his way, and Falcao stood no chance of getting past the youngster. If this is the level he will be playing at permanently then surely one of the first men on the plane to Brazil next summer.
Centre Back: Ron Vlaar 8/10
Falcao stated he had never heard of Vlaar before the game, but it was the Dutchman who came out on top in their dual, with the Monaco forward quiet all game, and eventually substituted.
Midfield: Kevin Strootman 7/10
A fighting performance by the Roma man, who abandoned his usual fluid passing game to get stuck into challenges, and stop any attacks from the dangerous James Rodriguez.
Midfield: Stijn Schaars 6/10
Stopped Colombia from overrunning the midfield by doing some dirty work. Made a number of fouls to stop attacks, and helped Strootman build attacks to ease the pressure. Was replaced late on by De Guzman.
Midfield: Rafael van der Vaart 6/10
Smashed the crossbar early on with a brilliant curling shot, but had to go off before half time after a crunching tackle from behind.
Right Wing: Jeremain Lens 4/10
Missed a decent chance early on before needlessly getting sent off for a stupid push on Pablo Armero. There may have been a kick from Armero, but Lens let his team down with his reaction.
Left Wing: Memphis Depay 8/10
Came into the side in the absence of Arjen Robben, and was the shining light of Netherlands attacks. Was at the centre everything going forward, with jinking runs, and lovely flicks. The PSV youngster should be deemed a replacement for Jeremain Lens in upcoming games.
Forward: Siem de Jong 6/10
Missed the rebound after Van der Vaart hit the bar, but did link with Depay well before having to go off injured before the break with a hamstring problem.
Substitutes:
Luciano Narsingh 6/10
Replaced De Jong after his injury, and put in a decent shift on the right wing with his pace allowing him to relieve the pressure on the Dutch defence. Was slightly outshone by his PSV teammate on the other wing.
Leroy Fer 7/10
Was used in a more attacking role, and at times was a central target man. Did well in the position and caused the Colombia defence problems with his strength. Was unlucky not to score the winner, as his goalbound effort was blocked by Zapata late on.
Jonathan de Guzman 5/10
Replaced the tiring Stijn Schaars late on, and put in a decent shift with his fresh legs allowing Netherlands to see out the draw.
Patrick van Aanholt 4/10
Was given the last few minutes to see out the win, and give Memphis Depay the rousing reception he deserved. Became a dad a day after being called into the squad, and making his debut for the national team capped off an excellent week for the Chelsea/Vitesse left back.
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