Having lifted their only UEFA Euros championship 36 years ago, the Netherlands team would be aiming to have a strong Euro 2024. The Dutch boasts a squad brimming with experience and exciting youngsters. Under the guidance of manager Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands national team aims to reclaim their place among Europe’s elite after a disappointing showing at the Nations League.
Following Louis van Gaal’s successful reign, Koeman, a Dutch legend himself, seeks to bring back the glory days of Dutch football. He has assembled a squad that blends veterans like Virgil van Dijk with the likes of young Xavi Simons, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful exuberance.
The Netherlands boasts a strong defence marshalled by the ever-reliable Van Dijk. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong provides the creative spark, while Memphis Depay remains a constant threat upfront. With a pool of talented attackers vying for starting positions, the Dutch team promises a dynamic and exciting brand of football.
Netherlands Euro 2024 Squad
| Position | Name | Age | Club |
| Goalkeeper | Justin Bijlow | 26 | Feyenoord |
| Mark Flekken | 30 | Brentford | |
| Bart Verbruggen | 21 | Brighton | |
| Defenders | Nathan Ake | 29 | Manchester City |
| Daley Blind | 34 | Girona | |
| Virgil van Dijk | 32 | Liverpool | |
| Denzel Dumfries | 28 | Inter Milan | |
| Jeremie Frimpong | 23 | Bayer Leverkusen | |
| Lutsharel Geertruida | 23 | Feyenoord | |
| Matthijs de Ligt | 24 | Bayern Munich | |
| Micky van de Ven | 23 | Tottenham | |
| Stefan de Vrij | 32 | Inter Milan | |
| Midfielders | Steven Bergwijn | 26 | Ajax |
| Ryan Gravenberch | 22 | Liverpool | |
| Frenkie de Jong | 27 | Barcelona | |
| Teun Koopmeiners | 26 | Atalanta | |
| Tijjani Reijnders | 25 | AC Milan | |
| Jerdy Schouten | 27 | PSV | |
| Xavi Simons | 21 | RB Leipzig | |
| Joey Veerman | 25 | Feyenoord | |
| Georginio Wijnaldum | 33 | Al Ettifaq | |
| Forward | Brian Brobbey | 22 | Ajax |
| Memphis Depay | 30 | Atletico Madrid | |
| Cody Gakpo | 25 | Liverpool | |
| Donyell Malen | 25 | Borussia Dortmund | |
| Wout Weghorst | 31 | Hoffenheim |
Netherlands Euro 2024 Key Players and Profiles
Star players to watch out for
Virgil van Dijk
The Netherlands’ defensive rock, Virgil van Dijk, brings leadership, composure, and world-class defending to the backline. His ability to marshal the defence and win aerial duels is crucial for the Dutch.
One of the best defenders in modern-day football, Van Djik would love to be a wall in the Netherlands’s defence. His camaraderie alongside the likes of Nathan Ake, and Matthijs de Ligt would be crucial.
Frenkie de Jong
Barcelona’s midfield maestro, Frenkie de Jong, dictates the tempo of the Dutch game with his passing range, vision, and dribbling skills.
He is a constant threat to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. However, currently nursing an ankle injury, De Jong might miss warm-up games which might not be ideal for the Netherlands.
Memphis Depay
Netherlands’ former captain, Memphis Depay, provides pace, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess upfront. His leadership and experience will be vital for the young Dutch squad.
The 30-year-old had an ordinary 2023/24 season but being the second-highest goal-scorer in Dutch history with 44 goals, Depay would be rearing to walk the talk.
Netherlands Euro 2024 Young Talents
Xavi Simons
A highly-rated youngster, Xavi Simons is already a star in the making. His technical skills, close control, and eye for a pass make him a valuable asset in midfield.
After seasons of less game time and disappointments, Simmons has found his mojo in the last two years. With PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig, Simmons has been magnificent, playing higher on the field and creating many chances.
Ryan Gravenberch
Another highly-rated youngster is Ryan Gravenberch (22 years old). Despite facing stiff competition at Bayern Munich, Gravenberch has shown glimpses of his talent in limited opportunities at Liverpool.
A box-to-box midfielder, Gravenberch is known for his powerful driving runs, ability to win tackles, and knack for a well-timed pass. He might offer resistance alongside the likes of Koopmieners and Tijjani Reijnders.
Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong brings an attacking flair to the Dutch defence. Playing at right-back for Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong is a constant threat down the flank with his blistering pace, pinpoint crosses, and ability to take on defenders.
The 22-year-old is defensively sound with good tackling skills and the athleticism to track back effectively. Frimpong played a vital role in Xabi Alonso’s system at Bayer Leverkusen, hammering 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
Team Strategy and Tactics
Manager Ronald Koeman is expected to utilize a 3-4-2-1 formation, similar to the system that proved successful during his previous stint with the Dutch national team. This system provides a solid defensive base with attacking full-backs (likely Frimpong and Dumfries) and a creative midfield trio consisting of De Jong, Koopmeiners, and one of the young talents like Simons.
- Defence: Van Dijk anchors the defence, flanked by reliable defenders who are comfortable playing the ball out from the back. Lutsharel Geertruida of Feyenoord and Nathan Ake are expected to support van Dijk.
- Midfield: De Jong orchestrates the play, while Veerman and Koopmeiners provide defensive solidity. Wingers like Bergwijn and Gakpo offer attacking width and creativity.
- Attack: Depay leads the line with his movement and finishing ability. Malen, and Weghorst, provide pace and power as attacking options.
The Netherlands will focus on possession-based football with quick transitions. A lot will depend on their defensive work rate.
Netherlands Probable XI for Euro 2024
Netherlands Euro Previous Performances
The Netherlands boasts a storied history in the Euros, marked by both triumph and disappointment. Debuting in 1976, their “Total Football” era saw them reach the final twice, winning it in 1988 with Marco van Basten’s brilliance. However, inconsistency plagued them in recent years.
Failing to qualify twice, they also fell short in promising appearances, reaching the semi-finals thrice but never replicating their 1988 success. A disappointing Round of 16 exit to the Czech Republic in Euro 2020 capped this inconsistency. With young talent and an experienced manager in Koeman, Euro 2024 presents a chance for the Netherlands to reclaim their past glory.
Netherlands Euro 2024 Match Schedule and Fixtures
Netherlands Euro Historical Squads
The Netherlands’ story in the Euros is a captivating tale of innovation, heartbreak, and moments of pure brilliance. The 1970s and 1980s witnessed the Netherlands’ golden era under the revolutionary Johan Cruyff. His philosophy of “Total Football,” emphasizing fluid player movement and positional interchangeability, transformed the game. Legends like Johan Neeskens, Ruud Krol, Rob Rensenbrink, and the iconic Cruyff himself, spearheaded a dominant Dutch side.
The following decades saw the Netherlands struggle to maintain their peak. While they boasted world-class talents like Dennis Bergkamp, Edgar Davids, and Patrick Kluivert, consistency eluded them. They reached the semi-finals thrice (1992, 1996, 2000) but fell short each time.
The emergence of players like Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, and Robin van Persie marked a resurgence in the 2010s. They reached the World Cup final in 2010 but again finished as runners-up. The team failed to qualify for the 2016 Euros but returned to the big stage in 2020, reaching the Nations League final. Now, with talents like Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay, the Netherlands look to continue their legacy of entertaining football and challenge for major trophies.
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