We take a look at who shone and who was a disappointment for Netherlands in the 5-0 win over Luxembourg on Friday night.
- By Michael Bell
- Follow Michael on Twitter
Jasper Cillessen 6/10
Had barely anything to do all night but caused himself trouble with a poor pass out to Kevin Strootman, which forced him into his only major save. Can’t afford to make those errors in later games against better opposition.
Joel Veltman 6.5/10
Another decent performance from the Ajax man at right-back and he is pushing Rick Karsdorp for the position. He was barely troubled by Luxembourg’s attack and that allowed him to move forward to overlap Robben.
Daley Blind 7/10
The Manchester United star was faultless once again at left-back and supported the attack at any available opportunity. Tougher nights will undoubtedly lie ahead for Blind, who breezed through the game.
Wesley Hoedt 7/10
Hoedt was once again impressive at the back, winning most aerial battles at the back and even contributing an assist at the other end. Was barely troubled by the opposition but Hoedt dealt with everything well and was always looking to get on the ball.
Stefan de Vrij 7/10
Was dealt a bad looking head injury early on but came back on the field and completed the full game. Apart from one stray pass to Hoedt which almost caused danger, De Vrij was largely untroubled. Good to see him back in Oranje.
Kevin Strootman 5.5/10
Poor night for Strootman in the midfield. He couldn’t take a pass from Cillessen which nearly led to a Luxembourg goal, and he was guilty of giving the ball away throughout the match. This match once again proves that Strootman isn’t the man to protect Netherlands defence.
Georginio Wijnaldum 7/10
An energetic performance from Wijnaldum which was awarded with a fine goal. Not at his best but still linked up play well and made one excellent challenge at the back.
Wesley Sneijder 8/10
The birthday boy who became the record Netherlands cap holder on Friday celebrated with a fine performance against Luxembourg. Sprayed excellent passes all over the field in the first half, scored a fine goal and was taken off to a standing ovation just before the end. Sneijder once again proving he can still be effective as Netherlands number 10.
Arjen Robben 7.5/10
Missed a good chance in the opening minutes but did eventually open the scoring with a fine finish after bursting through on goal. Proved a constant threat to the Luxembourg defence as expected before being taken off midway through the second half.
Memphis Depay 6/10
Was preferred to Quincy Promes by Dick Advocaat but couldn’t repay that faith with a good performance. Did set up the second with a lovely flick, but was guilty of losing the ball over and over again. Needs to become more consistent if he is to hold down a place in the starting eleven.
Vincent Janssen 6.5/10
Got himself a few chances in the first half which he couldn’t take, but eventually got a goal from the penalty spot after the break. Hold-up play and linking with teammates was once again excellent but needs to be a more constant goal threat in the box.
Substitutes
Quincy Promes 6.5/10
Came on for Memphis early in the second half and provided more energy to the attack. He got himself a goal with a back post header.
Jeremain Lens 5/10
Didn’t really contribute to the action after coming on for Robben after 72 minutes. Put one shot over the bar from the edge of the box.
Nathan Ake 5/10
Ake made his official debut after coming on for Sneijder with 81 minutes gone and is now tied to the Netherlands amid interest from Ivory Coast. Didn’t have enough time to get involved, but a night he will never forget.
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