Netherlands recorded a simple 5-0 win over Ivory Coast as they prepare for the World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg later this week. How did each player fare during the game? Football-Oranje hands out its ratings.
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Cillessen was given the chance to prove that he should still be Netherlands number one despite a lack of game time for Barcelona and he was faultless against Ivory Coast. Made some comfortable saves in the first half and a stunning stop in the second as he preserved his clean sheet.
Kenny Tete 6.5/10
A solid game from the Ajax man as he was comfortable at the back. However, he didn’t contribute much going forward which is not like Tete.
Daley Blind 7/10
Made a great run which led to the corner which Veltman netted the opener from. Was good going forward and untroubled at the back. A good performance from the Manchester United star.
Joel Veltman 8.5/10
The unlikely hero for Netherlands on the night. Veltman popped up in the right place twice to net a double. Was moved from right back to the centre of defence and looked accomplished. Didn’t put a foot wrong throughout the game.
Bruno Martins Indi 6.5/10
Solid and unremarkable match for Martins Indi who was mostly untroubled by the Ivory Coast attack.
Davy Propper 6/10
Probably the most disappointing performer on the night, Propper once again missed an opportunity to impress in Oranje. Lost possession on several occasions and was withdrawn for Wijnaldum early in the second half.
Kevin Strootman 7.5/10
A commanding performance in the middle by the Roma general, Strootman covered the back four well and got Netherlands moving forward. He set Janssen free with an excellent long ball in the first half which led to the penalty. Netherlands need more performances like this from Strootman going forward.
Davy Klaassen 7/10
A lively performance from the Ajax captain. Linked play going forward with some nice touches and got himself on the scoresheet in the second half.
Memphis Depay 7/10
Hit the bar with a stunning effort in the second half and was always a threat in the first half, although his communication with Robben was not at its finest. Got himself an assist with the corner for Veltman’s opener.
Arjen Robben 7.5/10
Netherlands captain terrified the Ivory Coast backline with some swift runs in the first half. He netted the penalty and put in an excellent cross for Veltman’s second goal. Good performance, but could have connected better with Memphis in the first half.
Vincent Janssen 7/10
It definitely wasn’t Janssen’s finest match in Oranje as he missed two great chances in the second half. However, he proved how crucial he was with his movement and link-up play. Won the penalty in the first half through his pace, set up Klaassen for the fourth and then netted the fifth himself.
Substitutes
Georginio Wijnaldum 6.5/10
Came on early in the second half and proved to be a class above Propper with his superior movement and link-up play. Created the fifth goal with his shot that was parried into the path of Janssen.
Wesley Sneijder 6.5
Came on to earn his record equaling 130th cap and showed he still has a big part to play for the national team. Dictated the play while on the pitch with some lovely touches and passes.
Bas Dost 5/10
Barely touched the ball after coming off the bench again.
Steven Berghuis 5/10
Came off the bench for Memphis but didn’t have much time to have an impact.
Quincy Promes 5/10
A couple of nice runs after coming off the bench for Robben but not enough time for an impact.
Bart Ramselaar 5/10
The final change of the night saw Ramselaar come on for a few minutes and he nearly scored with an effort just over the bar.
Despite the scoreline, this was a tale of 2 halves. Some worrying signs in the first half. Thoughts.
-Against heavy-press, high-energy midfield opponents, Holland has struggled in recent matches to string passes together or maintain possession. It showed glaringly against France and Bulgaria – and again in the 1st half here. It’s no surprise that the main culprits for this – Propper and Klaassen – are Eredivisie players not used to the pace and strength required in better leagues and at the international level. Propper in particular was awful – deserved a 3/10 rating. Neither should be starting the next few qualifiers.
-Veltman is still a concern. I know he got 2 goals, but his defensive positioning and awareness were poor at times and this was responsible for a couple of the early chances IVC had. If De Vrij can’t go Friday, Hoedt and BMI should start.
-Cillessen was fantastic. He made more good saves in this match than Zoet / Stekelenberg have made in this whole campaign. He’s also way better with his feet when playing out of the back. He’s got to start against LUX.
Cillessen, I agree! I hate having Hoedt and BMI in the back because they are one footed. Veltman would be better down the middle, but hasn’t really been there in almost to years and it shows. Pröpper, I agree and probably needs to be sent out to a mid table Premier League team or La Liga, but Klaassen has the physical presence to be there and would possibly excel in the CDM role. Starting Line-Up v. LUX:
Cillessen
Veltman/Tete de Vrij/Veltman BMI Blind
Klaassen Strootman
Wijnaldum
Robben Janssen Depay
Backline depends on de Vrij’s health
Interesting. Your lineup looks pretty good Johnny but I’m still not sure about Klaassen. I agree that he can be physical but he’s often quite clumsy in committing unneeded fouls in that regard. And he was not in synch with Strootman or Wijnaldum at all in the Bulgaria match. Probably won’t be a problem against Luxembourg but he will struggle tremendously in the next match against France
He’s still young and ready for a step up to a better league so maybe after a year or 2 in Germany or England he’ll start putting in more consistent performances for the national team.