Michael Bell rates Netherlands players for their performances during the 2-0 win over Spain on Tuesday.

neth 2-0 spainNetherlands struggles against Turkey caused coach Guus Hiddink to tinker with his formation against Spain on Tuesday, and the players brought into the the side all had an impact as the Oranje impressed. The likes of Kenneth Vermeer and Davy Klaassen made positive impressions, while Stefan de Vrij and Memphis Depay starred. Below i rate each player out of ten.

Kenneth Vermeer 8

Earning his fifth cap for Netherlands, Vermeer kept his fifth clean sheet after a commanding performance which will give number one Jasper Cillessen a run for his money. Kept out Gerard Pique and Pedro in the first half, and dominated the penalty area in the second when Spain were pressurising.

Daryl Janmaat 6.5

Playing in the national team for the first time since his error caused the loss against the Czech Republic, Janmaat put in a solid shift. Did well up against Isco and Silva at the back, while always offering support to Narsingh further up the pitch.

Jetro Willems 6.5

Started the game nervously by nearly causing an early goal with a terrible back-pass, but improved as the game went on, setting up Klaassen for the second goal, and linking well with Depay.

Stefan de Vrij 8.5

Scored once again versus Spain with a lovely header, and put in a commanding performance in the centre of defence. Made six interceptions, three clearances and won two aerial duels. Turning into a leader at the back, which Netherlands needs without Ron Vlaar.

Bruno Martins-Indi 6

Nearly gifted Spain a goal when he was dispossessed by Pedro in the box, but Vermeer came to his rescue. Was solid enough after that and should have added a third goal in the second half, but headed over from yards out.

Daley Blind 7

Replaced Nigel de Jong as the controller in midfield, and did a fine job up against the likes of Fabregas and Cazorla. Provided a link between the defence and attack, and moved the ball much quicker than De Jong did against Turkey. Needs to become a permanent member of midfield instead of left back.

Wesley Sneijder 7

On his record breaking 113 cap, Sneijder provided an excellent assist for De Vrij to open the scoring and was a lively presence afterwards. Whipped in a few dangerous crosses and linked well with Klaassen, and Huntelaar.

Davy Klaassen 7.5

Scored his first goal for Netherlands and looked assured on the ball in his second cap for the national team. Proved he was up to a physical battle in midfield and stole the ball from Spain four times, more than anyone else except De Vrij. His performance should give him the confidence to become a key member for the national team in the future.

Luciano Narsingh 6.5

Didn’t have the same impact that Depay had on the opposite wing, but looked full of running on the right wing, and held the ball well.

Memphis Depay 8.5

Constant threat down the left wing, bamboozling right back Daniel Carvajal on several occassions, Depay put the performance many were waiting for in an Oranje shirt. His skill set up the second goal, while he tested David De Gea with two spectacular long range efforts. Also showed he was up to his defensive work in the second half and made one crucial sliding tackle. Depay’s best performance in an Oranje shirt, which will only see his star rising further.

Klaas jan Huntelaar 6.5

Starved of service for most of the game, but Huntelaar showed many good touches and held the ball up well for his teammates. Was guilty of giving away a silly free kick on the edge of Netherlands box in the second half, but Spain failed to punish him.

Substitutes:

Georginio Wijnaldum 5

Replaced Sneijder just after the hour mark, and slotted in well to the midfield. Made a few interceptions at the back, while he should have scored at the other end, but blasted a shot into the side netting.

Bas Dost 4

Replaced Huntelaar with twenty minutes left and won several aerial battles, but hardly had any teammates to link with as they sat back at the end of the game. His height has the capability to be a useful tool for Hiddink in the future.

Jonathan de Guzman 4

Offered some energy in midfield after replacing Blind with twenty minutes left, but didn’t have time to make a real impression.

Ibrahim Afellay N/A

Came on for last seven minutes, but barely made an impression.

The coach; Guus Hiddink 7

Much much better from Hiddink, who picked a more balanced side than the one that drew with Turkey. Showed passion on the bench when goals went in, but will need to replicate this performance when it matters. Jury still out, but step in the right direction.




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