Netherlands sneaked a 1-0 win over Poland in their opening UEFA Nations League game on Friday night. Michael Bell provides his player ratings for the clash.

Jasper Cillessen 6/10: Didn’t have much to do during the game except for one save in the first-half from Piatek.

Hans Hateboer 7/10: Contributed well at the back and to the attack all through the game. Got himself an assist for the goal too. A good performance from the Atalanta star.

Nathan Ake 6/10: Solid defensively but didn’t contribute much going forward and didn’t look confident in attacking areas. Should have scored from a corner in the first-half then messed up a good chance in the second half too.

Joel Veltman 6.5/10: snatched at a cross early in the game but was pretty solid after that alongside Van Dijk. Made a really good tackle in the second half to prevent a dangerous Poland attack.

Virgil van Dijk 7.5/10: As always Van Dijk was untroubled and totally in control at the back. Played some lovely balls forward too. Was not a surprise that he was hacked down by a frustrated Piatek, who couldn’t get out his pocket.

Marten de Roon 6/10: Again in a game against a deep lying team, De Roon didn’t offer much going forward. Solid but unremarkable.

Frenkie de Jong 8/10: In his natural position, De Jong once again controlled the game for Netherlands. He played a big role in the goal, but also kept possession throughout and always presented himself for the ball. The real Frenkie was once again on show in Amsterdam.

Georginio Wijnaldum 5.5/10: Totally invisible throughout the game and offered very little throughout. Was moved out to the wing when Van de Beek came on but still struggled to get involved. An off night for the midfielder.

Steven Bergwijn 6/10: Apart from his goal, Bergwijn offered very little going forward. He got in the right position to tap in his first Netherlands goal but we need to see more from the Tottenham star. Was brought off with fifteen minutes to go.

Quincy Promes 6/10: Looked lively in the first-half and went close with a strike that went just wide of the post. Disappeared in the second half and offered little.

Memphis Depay 7.5/10: Again the life of the Dutch attack, Memphis was full of energy and passion. Not everything went well and the Poland tactics frustrated the attacker but he was always lively and a threat.

Substitutes

Donny van de Beek 6/10: Came on with fifteen minutes to go but couldn’t make much of an impact

Luuk de Jong N/A: Came on for the last second.

Memphis Depay




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