Daniel Gutman rounds up how all the Dutchman performed during week four of the English Premier League.

blind manutdAfter a two week international break, the Barclays Premier League resumed operation this past Saturday. Despite it being a good weekend for many clubs, the league’s Dutchmen finished with a matchday to forget. Overall, their performances were quite poor, with just one player making significant contribution to his team. Be it fatigue from the international matches or rustiness after the break, the Oranje abroad will be itching to improve their performances next week and the weeks after that.

Saturday held nothing good in store for England’s Dutch stars. Newcastle crashed to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Southampton, with Vurnon Anita and Tim Krul in particular posting up performances that won’t see them called up to the national team anytime soon. Krul was at fault for at least one of the four goals he conceded, and made just three saves from the seven shots hit on goal throughout the match. Vurnon Anita left much to be desired as well, with his singular interception the only positive action from the defensive midfielder. It was no surprise when he was substituted off at halftime, with replacement Cheick Tiote posting up a considerably better performance. There was a small plus in Anita’s game, as he completed 96% of his passes. Daryl Janmaat had a decent game, creating a couple chances, however he had serious trouble coping with Bertand and Tadic’s runs down the flank that resulted in two of the goals against Newcastle. Still, it was an improvement on his night against the Czech Republic, and Janmaat will surely be happy about that. Over in Sunderland, fullback Patrick van Aanholt rounded out the day with a poor performance for his loaned-to club. A booking for a bad foul and an error leading to a Tottenham goal is not a performance the 24-year-old should be proud of, and is surely not one that will earn him a call-up to the Oranje.

Sunday was a better day for the Premier League’s Dutchmen, with World Cup stars Daley Blind and Robin van Persie starting for the Red Devils in a 4-0 dismantling of Queen’s Park Rangers. Blind in particular stood out, reading the match well and tidying things up in midfield while Ander Herrera and Angel di Maria went forward to help with the attack. Playing in front of the defence, Blind did a good job neutralizing a good chunk of whatever few decent attacking plays QPR put together, and made his case for a permanent starting berth in van Gaal’s side. Van Persie on the other hand had a very average game. One shot on target and a few key passes were the extent of his contribution to Manchester United’s victory, with the forward getting booked in the first half for his troubles.

Ending on a good note, the weekend was nonetheless one to forget for both the majority of the Dutch players and their respective clubs’ fans. Newcastle fans in particular should expect more from their four Netherlands internationals, all of which have been vastly under-performing along with the rest of the team. Perhaps the reintroduction of Siem de Jong into the midfield will create some sort of connection with all four Dutchmen, although any sort of communication is looking a distant hopeĀ in a clueless Newcastle side.




Daniel Gutman (19 Posts)