The Netherlands looked a different animal when they faced Romania in the last 16 Euro 2024.
A sluggish opening 15 minutes saw the Dutch completely dominate in Munich, with Cody Gakpo scoring the opener and Donyell Malen adding gloss to the scoreline with his late brace. It was a great preparation for their quarter-final match against Turkey this Saturday.
The Netherlands have been flawless in Germany so far but keep showing glimpses of their quality. A stunning last-gasp attack will give them renewed belief in a first European Championship title since 1988.
Ronald Koeman is unlikely to make many changes to the team that blew past Romania, although there may be one change to the forward line.
Here’s how the Netherlands could face Romania in the last 16.
GK: Bart Verbruggen – The Brighton keeper got his first clean sheet of Euro 2024 last week, even if he didn’t get many tests. He has been hesitant at times in this tournament but has kept Koeman’s faith.
RB: Denzel Dumfries – The Netherlands looked very strong against Romania as Dumfries returned to the group. He also provides the Dutch with an attacking threat at the crease, with Nathan Ake a defensive-minded option at the other end.
CB: Stefan de Vrij – Although De Vrij has not been as sharp as the defenders in Germany, he is strong enough for the Dutch. If Arda Guler plays as a false nine as he did against Austria in the last 16, the Inter defender could be presented with a unique challenge.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – The captain leads the Dutch team with blocks, clearances and accurate long balls in each 90, and has made important interventions in the backline. He is yet to score at Euro 2024 – as he did twice for Oranje in pre-tournament friendlies – he scored against Romania.
LB: Nathan Ake – The Manchester City defender has been a strong presence at left back as he has played this position regularly at club level. His anticipation and aggressiveness in the face-off will be crucial for the Netherlands going forward.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders – After a strong season with Milan, Reijnders was one of the beneficiaries of pre-tournament injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners. Playing a box-to-box role against Romania, he made some incredible runs to reach the final third.
CM: Jerdy Schouten The PSV Eindhoven midfielder is enjoying his first major tournament. He will win his 10th title for Oranje on Saturday and has been devastating in the middle of the park due to injuries elsewhere.
RW: Donyell Malen – After two goals against Romania, Malen made the right wing his own. In particular, his second stop time showed just how dangerous he can be flying with the ball at his feet. His battle with the attacking Ferdi Kadioglu will be interesting to watch.
AM: Xavi Simons – Simons didn’t look overly impressive on the right side in the group stages but he was good in a number ten role in the last 16. He provided two assists and worked with aplomb.
LW: Cody Gakpo – The Liverpool star took his Euro 2024 tally to three goals with a strong effort off the post against Romania. He looks like a completely different player in the national team and has led by example at the top.
ST: Memphis Depay – Depay proved dangerous throughout the tournament, even if he lacked edge at times. Guaranteed to start on Saturday, Wout Weghorst is waiting in the wings.
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