The Netherlands finished third in their group after a sloppy 3-2 loss against Austria. Here is the player ratings for the Netherlands.
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Bart Verbruggen 5.5/10: Made two good saves in the first half, but could have done better in the second with Austria’s winner. He was too low to save the shot from Sabitzer. Was then beaten at his back post again but was saved by the offside flag. A tough day for the young keeper.
Lutsharel Geertruida 4.5/10: Very sloppy in the first half and the space for the first goal was huge. He improved in the second as he came more central and he played a big role in the equaliser. However, the Netherlands looked open at the back constantly and Geertruida’s side was the weakest.
Nathan Ake 5/10: One of his poorest games in Oranje, Ajke struggled at left back and was eventually replaced. Struggled to get forward at all and looked shaky at the back.
Stefan de Vrij 5/10: A tough game for the Dutch back four and De Vrij was sloppy at times.
Virgil van Dijk 4.5/10: Played the Austrian forwards onside for the winning goal. Was out of position for the second Austrian goal too. The defence was poor and he was a big reason why.
Jerdy Schouten 5/10: The Netherlands midfield never got to grips with Austria and Schouten struggled to get out of the press.
Tijjani Reijnders 4.5/10: A poor game defensively and going forward. Should have scored but mishit his finish badly.
Joey Veerman 2/10: Taken off after 30 minutes after giving the ball away constantly.
Donyell Malen 4.5/10: Scored the own goal and then missed a huge chance. Improved in the second before going off injured.
Cody Gakpo 6/10: Got the equaliser and again looked the Netherlands most threatening player. He needs to be given more of the ball.
Memphis Depay 6/10: A much better performance and scored a lovely goal. I just wish he wouldn’t take all the set pieces.
Substitutes
Xavi Simons 6/10: Improved the midfield after coming on and looked lively.
Georginio Wijnaldum 4.5/10: Came on and barely touched the ball
Micky van de Ven 5/10: Tried to get forward which Ake didn’t do but also looked clumsy at times.
Wout Weghorst N/A: Not on the pitch long enough for a review
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You should also start rating the manager
Have to throw me 5c worth in here.
If I was Koeman developing this team I would have looked at bringing through players with pace (and energy). There are 3 that fit the bill – Van De Ven, Frimpong and yes, Malen.
Van De Ven is exactly what the backline needs. He is now better and ready to take over from Van Dijk,all he needs is the backing from Koeman in the dressing room. Ake would be the perfect partner left of Van De Ven while he establishes himself, not to mention the tantalising prospect of interchanges between the two as Van De Ven drives forward every now and then.
Van Dik and De Vrij are getting exposed time and again on quick turnovers and counters. Van De Ven’s pace will settle whoever is selected as his CB partner. There are 3 worthy options for the RCB, all Koeman needed decide which one is the best.
Unfortunately Koeman can’t see past Virgil. He is a big man after all but if Koeman was worth his salt he would have convinced Virgil of the role he needs to play rather than the one he is playing.
Whether Dumfries-Frimpong can work on the right is up to them and Koeman but if it is a decision the two the superior attacker must be chose – Frimpongs crosses, play behind the lines and goal threat are just better than Dumfries. Its not a contest and it shows the delusion Koeman is caught in.
If koeman believee this squad is not good enough to play 433 attacking football and prefers the counter or counter press then Frimpong and a partner in crime are needed. Depay is not in that realm of player. He has no pace on the counter and is a spoiler not a presser. Why would you have team sit back and have Depay up front? Zirkee is as good or better now as Depay as an outlet, to hold up the ball and move it on, and is just as much a handful. Depay could mentor Zirkee on the dark arts and be ready to come on as players tire.
But if your going for pace on the counter Frimpong and Malen (and Gakpo) are seemingly as good as weve got.
Simmons is too easily shoved around, Malen is not. Malen more than Simons needs a goal, it will come.
For me Gakpo and Frimpong out wide and Zirkee and Malen through the middle gives the side a dynamic Koeman can orchestrate a game plan to.
Reijders and Schouten should be under no doubt about their role and position with this quartet in front – which is always whats required for a backline to dominate.
There is no Sneijder, Bergkamp, Overmaars or Van Persie…but holding onto Virgil and Memphis etc and basing play around them denies what we actually do have.