Netherlands battled to a 1-1 draw against Belgium in Brussels on Tuesday evening. Here are Michael Bell’s player rating’s for the Oranje players.

Jasper Cillessen 7/10: Could do nothing against Merten’s excellent strike but in the second half made a number of good saves, especially against Batshuayi. Cillessen has been great in this international period and proved why he is still Oranje number one.

Denzel Dumfries 6/10: Started at right-back once again and did well defensively during the first half. Couldn’t contribute much going forward though before being brought off at the break.

Nathan Ake 6.5/10: Played out of position at left-back, Ake had some trouble during the first half up against Belgian’s pacey attack but settled well. Got a lot of touches of the ball but didn’t contribute much going forward. Would be much more comfortable playing in the centre.

Matthijs de Ligt 7/10: Was more assured at the start than against Germany and barely put a foot wrong before going off at the break. Helped keep Lukaku quiet.

Stefan de Vrij 7/10: Had the job of replacing Van Dijk in the centre and did it well after a shaky start. Stood up well to Lukaku in the first half and was barely troubled after the break. A class act.

Kevin Strootman 6/10: Was a better performance from the midfielder than we are use to from him. He made some good tackles and barely lost possession. Still too cautious at times and needs to be more dominant.

Donny van de Beek 6/10: Looked lively at times in the middle of the park and wasn’t afraid to get stuck into the Belgians but didn’t get forward enough. He played a role in the equaliser but other than that barely made an impact in the Belgian half before being replaced on the hour mark.

Daley Blind 6/10: Captained Netherlands and was placed into the midfield where he looks more comfortable. Provided a screen for the defence but did nothing too spectacular all game. Too many sideways and backwards passes.

Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld 6/10: Made his first Netherlands start and scored an equaliser he will never forget. Looks a lively player but other than the goal he was barely involved before he went off on the hour.

Quincy Promes 6.5/10: Played a role in Netherlands goal with a nice touch and nearly scored himself with a strike that came off the post. Has a good understanding with Memphis but isn’t as decisive or flashy as his good friend.

Memphis Depay 7.5/10: The star man once again in Oranje. Memphis was behind most of Netherlands best moments and he set up Danjuma’s equaliser with a fine cross. Nearly scored the winner in the second half but was denied by Mignolet’s leg. It seems the forward is almost unstoppable when he pulls on an Oranje shirt at the moment.

Substitutes:

Pablo Rosario 6/10: Came on at the break for his debut and didn’t look out of place at this level. Lost the ball a few times with sloppy passes but that could be down to nerves. A decent start for the PSV man.

Hans Hateboer 6.5/10: His last appearance in Oranje was disappointing, but Hateboer came on at the break and added some energy in the second half. Made some good tackles and got Oranje moving forward.

Tonny Vilhena 5/10: Put himself about and was tidy in possession. Was eager to make an impact and got a yellow card for a late tackle.

Patrick van Aanholt 5/10: Has been in good form this season and did OK off the bench for the last half-hour. Added some extra energy going forward on the left.

Steven Bergwijn 5/10: Added some pace late in the game but didn’t have too much time to make an impact.

Luuk de Jong 5/10: Came on in the last 20 minutes and added some strength to the forward line. Was unlucky not to have won a penalty.




admin (14221 Posts)

Follow @Footballoranje_ on Twitter