Netherlands were defeated 1-0 by Portugal in the final of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening. Michael Bell rates the Oranje stars performances.
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Jasper Cillessen 5.5/10: Cillessen did well throughout the game but the goal could have been kept out. He got a hand to Goncalo Guedes strike but couldn’t keep it out. Not a huge blunder but still cost Netherlands.
Denzel Dumfries 4.5/10: Played deep on the pitch and struggled to deal with the Portuguese attack. The goal started down his side. Dumfries was also hopeless going forward with the ball and squandered possession several times. Dumfries is still a raw talent and needs to work on areas of his game to become a top class right-back.
Daley Blind 6.5/10: His 67th!! appearance of the season. Blind barely put a foot wrong throughout the game after a long season. He was more assured than Dumfries and tried to get forward whenever he could.
Matthijs de Ligt 6/10: Defended excellently throughout but a finger can be pointed at him for the goal. He stepped out of position and tried to win the ball, didn’t and it led to the winner. However, he made several key challenges throughout the game and helped keep Ronaldo quiet.
Virgil van Dijk 7/10: Strong, assured and untroubled at the back once again. It was a stroll for van Dijk but he ended up on the losing side because of teammates errors.
Marten de Roon 5/10: Is in the midfield to break up play and keep possession. He did make several tackles in the middle but his contribution going forward is non-existent at the moment. Was eventually taken off for Luuk de Jong.
Frenkie de Jong 5.5/10: Netherlands best passer of the ball once again but De Jong could not control the game in Porto. He was harried out of the game at times by the Portuguese midfield and played too many sideways or backwards passes. Looked tired after a long season.
Georginio Wijnaldum 6/10: Showed some great touches including a lovely nutmeg on Bernardo Silva. Was a spark for Netherlands but looked very tired at the end.
Steven Bergwijn 5/10: Looked the most likely Netherlands attacker to create something due to his pace but was taken off by Koeman just before the goal. Without him in attack, Netherlands didn’t look as threatening.
Ryan Babel 3/10: This could be the last time we see Babel in a Netherlands shirt. Didn’t earn the start with his performance against England and was invisible once again in Porto. Hooked off at half time for Promes. Has made an impact over the last year but it’s time for Koeman to bring in younger talents.
Memphis Depay 4.5/10: struggled to make an impact against a strong Portuguese defence. Got Netherlands best chance in the second half but his header was kept out. Lost the ball time and time again in a frustrating night.
Substitutes:
Quincy Promes 5/10: Offered a lot more than Babel did but couldn’t have the same impact as in the semi-final.
Donny van de Beek 5/10: Brought on for Bergwijn and immediately Portugal scored. Made a positive impression again and proved he probably should have started over De Roon. His movement and vision going forward is a big weapon.
Luuk de Jong 5/10: Was brought on late to add something to the attack. Almost made a big impact due to his aerial ability but wasn’t on the pitch long enough.
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