Netherlands struggled to a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland on Thursday evening in De Kuip. Michael Bell provides his player ratings for the Oranje stars.

Jasper Cillessen 6/10: Didn’t have much to do all game but claimed some lofted crosses well. Didn’t really have a chance with the goal.

Denzel Dumfries 5.5/10: Played basically as a winger for the whole game but failed to create any clear cut chances.

Daley Blind 6/10: Solid game from the left-back who came the closest to an opener in the first half with a shot over the bar. Wasn’t troubled defensively at all.

Virgil van Dijk 6.5/10: Spread the ball around well throughout the game and was imperious in the air throughout. Sadly he wasn’t marking Macgennis for the goal.

Matthijs de Ligt 5/10: The defender became the youngest player to reach 20 caps for Netherlands in history but he had a poor game in De Kuip. A number of passes went wrong and he was beaten in the air for the goal. Clearly a player lacking confidence.

Marten de Roon 5/10: The defensive midfielder was not needed against Northern Ireland, who sat deep and offered very little going forward. Netherlands looked more dangerous when van de Beek.

Frenkie de Jong 6.5/10: Tried to create space with his dribbling ability but found it difficult at times. Was great in possession and provided an excellent run and assist for Memphis to seal the win in injury time.

Georginio Wijnaldum 6/10: Worked hard and almost found the opening goal but saw his effort cleared off the line. Kept trying to find gaps in the Northern Ireland defence but didn’t have his best evening.

Ryan Babel 5/10: Struggled to get involved in the game except for a few bursts forward in the first half. Was taken off for Malen in the 65th minute.

Steven Bergwijn 6/10: Caused trouble with his dribbling ability and should have scored the opening goal but was denied by the Northern Irish goalkeeper.

Memphis Depay 8/10: Once again he was the hero for Netherlands with two goals. Both were excellent finishes from a player who loves playing in Oranje. He was invisible in the first-half but he once again stepped up when his country needed him.

Substitutes

Donyell Malen 6.5/10: Assisted Memphis for the equaliser but should have scored with a header soon afterwards. A player full of confidence he was lively off the bench.

Donny van de Beek 6/10: Came on for De Roon after an hour and tried to help find spaces in the Northern Irish defence. Didn’t have a major impact though.

Luuk de Jong 6.5/10: A man completely out of form for Sevilla, he was a hero for Oranje by putting them 2-1 ahead with a close range finish.




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