Netherlands were not at their best but edged out Scotland 1-0 in Aberdeen thanks to a Memphis Depay goal. Michael Bell rates the Oranje performances. 

Jasper Cillessen – 5/10: Dealt with the Scottish attempts with little issue but he was indecisive when coming for the ball, which led to one big chance for Matt Phillips. He also nearly played himself into trouble early in the second half but got lucky. Didn’t look confident but that’s to be expected from a player who has sat on the bench at Barcelona all season.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah – 6.5/10: Defensively strong and untroubled throughout the game. Didn’t contribute much to the attack, but broke up some Scottish attacks with good tackles before going off late on after taking a knock. Solid from the youngster, but not spectacular.

Nathan Ake – 6.5/10: Just like Fosu-Mensah, Ake was strong defensively in the first half, and made one excellent block which saved a certain goal. He contributed to the attack as well with some good link-up play with Memphis. However, in the second half, he was beaten easily by Ryan Fraser which nearly led to a goal.

Virgil van Dijk -6/10: Was good in the air but at times gave Phillips to much space which created danger for the Oranje defence. Needs to control the back four more going forward and lead from the back. Didn’t create much despite getting the ball constantly played to him at the back.

Karim Rekik- 6.5/10: Was more assured at the back than Van Dijk throughout and dealt with everything thrown at him without trouble. A no thrills defensive performance.

Daley Blind – 7/10: Once again proved his best position is in the midfield where he was always available to receive the ball and the Manchester United star sprayed some excellent balls which led to chances. Kept Netherlands calm throughout. A leaders performance.

Kevin Strootman – 6/10: The captain for the night did very little wrong in the middle of the pitch but also didn’t contribute alot. Was always looking backwards with his passes. Needs to take a bit more risks to get Netherlands moving forward.

Georginio Wijnaldum – 5/10: Once again looked a shadow of the player that performs week in week out for Liverpool. He did play a part in the goal but lost possession several times when it appeared the Scottish players were just more hungry for the ball. His place in the side really needs to come into question with Marco van Ginkel sitting on the bench.

Quincy Promes – 5.5/10: Struggled to get into the game on the right-hand side and barely threatened left-back Andrew Robertson. Was taken off for Steven Berghuis in the second half.

Memphis Depay – 7/10: He may be frustrating to watch at times, but at least Memphis was attempting something different on the pitch and it was a nice dribble past an opponent which led to his goal on the counter. Lost the ball at times, but looked confident in possession. The best of Oranje’s front three.

Ryan Babel 6/10: Laid on the assist for Memphis goal but struggled to impact the game through the middle. Often he would drift wide to pick up the ball but did very little with possession.

Substitutes:

Steven Berghuis 5/10: Didn’t have too long on the pitch. Made one good run on the ball but other than that barely featured.

Joel Veltman 5/10: Also didn’t have too long to make an impact. Helped the defence see out the win late on.




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