Netherlands defeated Poland 2-0 on Thursday in the UEFA Nations League. Michael Bell provides his player ratings for the Oranje win.
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Remko Pasveer 6.5/10: A clean sheet on his debut and a quiet evening too for the Ajax stopper. Hardly had a save to make all night.
Denzel Dumfries 7/10: Another fine performance from the right-back, who assisted the opening goal with a trademark run forward in behind the opposition defence. If he stays fit, Dumfries will be playing for Oranje at the World Cup.
Daley Blind 6/10: Going forward, Blind can be of use, but he remains a weakness at the back and Poland’s best chance came from them getting the better of the Ajax full back.
Virgil van Dijk 7/10: A commanding night from the centre-back, who was barely troubled throughout the night and he stayed clear of a yellow card that would have ruled him out of the clash with Belgium.
Nathan Ake 7/10: Was tasked with marking Robert Lewandowski and did a great job as the Barcelona barely featured.
Jurrien Timber 6.5/10: Barely tested at the back but barely featured going forward, either. A quiet night for the Ajax man.
Teun Koopmeiners N/A: Only on the pitch for a minute before going off injured.
Frenkie de Jong 6.5/10: De Jong played a safe game in the first half before being substituted at the break. Not his most memorable night in Oranje.
Cody Gakpo 7/10: Was played as an attacking midfielder and opened the scoring in the 13th minute. He had good and bad moments throughout and nearly scored a second late on.
Steven Bergwijn 6.5/10: Barely featured in the first-half and then he scored in the second. Remains an important attacker for Van Gaal.
Memphis Depay 6/10: Played a role in the opening goal but it was a quiet night for Memphis, who went off early in the second half with a muscle injury.
Substitutes
Steven Berghuis 8/10: Was brought on for Koopmeiners early on and he had a fine game. Involved a lot on the ball and got Netherlands going forward. Had a couple of chances that he put just wide, but a very encouraging performance.
Marten de Roon 6/10: Came on for Frenkie at the break and played a comfortable match without excelling.
Vincent Janssen 7/10: Replaced Memphis and put in an eye-catching display. He assisted Bergwijn for the second and held up the ball well throughout. A player with a lot of confidence at the moment.
Kenneth Taylor N/A: Not on the pitch long enough for a review
Wout Weghorst N/A: Not on the pitch long enough for a review