Netherlands ended 2017 with a well earned 3-0 victory in Romania. Michael Bell hands out his player ratings with a number of Oranje players impressing.
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Jasper Cillessen – 6/10: Barely troubled by anything Romania could throw at him. Much more assured performance than against Scotland. On this form he is Oranje number one.
Joel Veltman – 5.5/10: Was involved in a few physical challenges early on and was booked. Dealt with everything defensively well but barely offered anything going forward. Still not a convincing right-back for the future.
Nathan Ake – 6.5/10: Was caught out of position at times but showed the pace and power to recover. Linked with Memphis and Sneijder well and provided more going forward.
Mattijs de Ligt – 7/10: An assured performance at the back by the young Ajax man. Put in one excellent crunching tackle to win the ball early in the second half. Definitely a huge talent and one that will be important going forward.
Virgil van Dijk – 7.5/10: A stroll in the park for Van Dijk who was so dominant at the back. One of the new leaders of the national team going forward. Makes everything look so easy.
Daley Blind – 6.5/10: Played some lovely passes and linked play throughout the game but also gave the ball away on occasions. Proved once again that he belongs in midfield but not his finest performance.
Kevin Strootman – 6.5/10: A bit better from Strootman. Played some nice balls going forward and helped out defensively. Can still play much better but good signs from the captain.
Davy Propper – 6/10: Should have scored in the first half when set up by Memphis but played some nice football before being substituted on the hour. Was more lively than Wijnaldum was against Scotland.
Steven Berghuis – 8/10: The undoubted star man for Netherlands on the night with a hattrick of assists. His first came after an excellent piece of skill. The Feyenoord man was a danger to the Romania defence throughout.
Memphis Depay – 7/10: A lively performance and once again capped with a goal. He was the most dangerous player for Netherlands in the first half, even if he gave possession away at times, and nodded Oranje ahead after the break. Was substituted after the hour.
Ryan Babel – 6.5/10: Got a goal but did not do enough to prove he is the man capable of leading the line going forward. Substituted on the hour mark.
Substitutes:
Marco van Ginkel- 6.5/10: Came on for his good friend Davy Propper and look full of confidence. Drove the ball forward and won the free kick which led to the third goal. Needs more chances to prove he is Oranje quality.
Wesley Sneijder – 6/10: Played some lovely touches but playing on the left wing his lack of pace was exposed.
Luuk de Jong – 6/10: Came on for Babel and added a physical presence. Held the ball up well and got a goal. Missed a huge chance late on to make it 4-0.
Quincy Promes – 5/10: Didn’t have enough time to make an impression.
Donny van de Beek – 5/10: His debut but didn’t have enough time to make an impression.
Tonny Vilhena – 5/10: Didn’t have enough time to make an impression.
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