Netherlands recorded a 2-1 victory over Morocco on Wednesday evening. Football-Oranje rates the Oranje players performances in the slim victory.
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Jeroen Zoet 6/10
The Oranje captain for the night made some decent saves throughout the game, especially one from Boufal at 0-1. He also claimed several crosses at the end as Morocco piled on the pressure. However, positionally could have been better for the free kick which Morocco netted.
Joel Veltman 5/10
Was solid enough in the first half, but made some silly mistakes in the second.He presented Boufal with the chance to equalise in the second half and was rescued by Zoet. The experienced member of the defence on the night, but needs to cut out silly errors and provide more going forward. Hasn’t proved he should start over Karsdorp when the Feyenoord star returns.
Nathan Ake 6/10
The debutante had a good game at left-back. Dealt with the more physical Moroccan’s well in the first half and provided support going forward. Level dipped in the second half and he nearly netted an own goal but solid enough for the Chelsea man, who will be a good option for the position going forward.
Wesley Hoedt 6.5/10
Not flawless but Hoedt was largely untroubled by the Moroccan attack and battled well with Belhanda despite being on the end of two challenges which should have seen the Moroccan sent off.
Matthijs de Ligt 5/10
The 17-year-old was having a solid game until he was caught out by a long ball over the top and conceded the foul which saw him sent off. Now two games for Oranje that De Ligt has started and caused big errors. Luckily De Ligt’s red didn’t prevent Netherlands winning, but it begs the question once again on whether he is ready for international football.
Tonny Vilhena 7.5/10
Have Netherlands found the DM they have been looking for since Nigel de Jong? Vilhena was combative in the midfield, won possession back constantly and provided cover for the defence. His passing could have been better at times but a very impressive performance from the Feyenoord star.
Jens Toornstra 7/10
Clearly playing with confidence, Toornstra had a good game in the middle and was instrumental to the opening goal with his excellent sweeping ball to Memphis on the left. Won back possession on several occasions in the second half and was always positive on the ball.
Quincy Promes 8/10
The man of the match for Netherlands. Scored the opening goal and assisted the second with a good cross. Clearly enjoyed the free role in the middle during the first half and continued to impress when switched to the right in the second. A man on fire for Spartak Moscow and a big player for the national team going forward.
Steven Berghuis 5/10
Started the game looking lively but faded as the first half went on. Substituted at half time for Marten de Roon.
Memphis Depay 6.5/10
Lovely assist for the opening goal and Memphis made some impressive runs throughout the game. However, his decision making and final passes let him down at times. Was substituted after the red card.
Vincent Janssen 7.5/10
May not be getting games for Tottenham, but he is always impressive for the national team when he gets his chance. Could have netted twice in the first half and got his goal in the second with a tidy control and finish. Now five goals in 11 caps for the forward and proved once again why he is being chosen over Bas Dost.
Substitutes
Marten de Roon 5.5/10
Was brought on at half time, to provide some extra cover for the defence and made some good tackles and had some tidy touches. Nothing spectacular and got himself yellow carded before the end.
Nick Viergever 5/10
Came on after Matthijs de Ligt was sent off and helped the defence see out the win.
Bas Dost 5/10
Came on in the 73rd minute and won a few headers. Didn’t really have much time to make an impact
Wesley Sneijder 5.5/10
Was given fifteen minutes towards the end to earn his 129th cap and is now only one behind record holder Edwin van der Sar. Played an excellent pass to Promes late on which the winger nearly netted.
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Finally, Vilhena nailed down as no.6 (surely?)
Now to finish the puzzle, who are the no. 8 and 10?
Good ratings. Watched the game and agree with most of the thoughts above. A few points:
– None of the starting back 4 except possibly Hoedt should start against Luxembourg. On too many occasions they failed to effectively deal with set pieces / crosses. If could have been a different result if Morocco wasn’t so poor with their heading in the penalty area.
– I know he’s struggled with Tottenham, but Janssen clearly fits better with the way the Dutch are trying to play. Competes for arials just as well as Dost but links play with others around him FAR better. Created 3 good chances in the first half.
– Toornstra was impressive. Several good interceptions and 2 exquisite long passes. Given how poor the midfield was against Bulgaria, he has to be considered for a starting spot against Luxembourg.