Netherlands will be desperate to leave their mark on Euro 2024 after reaching the quarter-finals last time out. They will have ambitions of winning the tournament and that potential outcome is certainly not at all far-fetched, as Ronald Koeman has a plethora of talented players at his disposal.
However, with their group consisting of France, Austria and first opponents Poland, the opening phase certainly won’t be a walk in the park for the Netherlands – especially following confirmation that influential figures Teun Koopmeiners and Frenkie de Jong will both miss the tournament through injury. But if they get the team right, there’s still no reason why they can’t compete against the very best. So what is the best starting XI available to Koeman? Here’s our verdict.
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Formation 4-3-3
Goalkeeper – Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
With limited playing time in the opening half of the season due to injury, the reliable shot-stopper could have been scrambling for a place in the squad. However, a strong second half of the campaign secured his spot at Euro 2024. With seven clean sheets in 21 Premier League games for Brighton, Verbruggen has proven himself to be an athletic and intelligent goalkeeper, with the ability to start play from the back. The ideal man between the posts for Koeman.
Right-Back – Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
Frimpong just enjoyed the season of his life, winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal either side of playing in a Europa League final. Scoring a ridiculous 14 goals and contributing 12 assists, his attacking prowess is outstanding and he can also contribute defensively. Koeman’s reactive style and flexibility means players like Frimpong are allowed to thrive and play unrestricted by rigid formations.
Centre-Back – Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
Captain Van Dijk is the leader of this Netherlands side and will start every game in this Euros, barring injury. Strong, imposing, intelligent and powerful, he is the complete centre-back. On the ball, few are as calm and composed, with the Dutchman regularly making smart passes to aid ball progression and control the game from the back. Van Dijk will be the first name on the team sheet for Koeman.
Centre-Back – Matthijs De Ligt (Bayern Munich)
A mixed season with Bayern may leave some in doubt over De Ligt’s spot. However, we believe class is permanent and that he will be back with a bang this summer. De Ligt has always been dynamic and athletic on the pitch, his aggressive style making him a nightmare for any opponent and the ideal partner for Van Dijk. Although, we would have no qualms with Micky van de Ven taking up this role after his impressive debut season with Tottenham.
Left-Back – Nathan Ake (Manchester City)
Premier League winner Ake will be in high spirits going into the tournament. Not a natural left-back but utilised there for the most part by Pep Guardiola at City, he is a key man for Koeman. His strength gives him a different element to a lot of other full-backs, who perhaps are not as physical. However, Ake provides this as well as matching any other player in the position for ability on the ball. The definition of a well-rounded defender who should contribute significantly for the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Centre Midfield – Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan)
Versatile midfielder Reijnders will no doubt be in the frame for significant game time. Mainly a defensive-minded player, the AC Milan midfielder has many more strings to his bow and can be used in numerous midfield roles in Koeman’s fluid style. Consistent and reliable, Reijnders gives his all for the shirt, qualities that are necessary in trophy-winning sides.
Centre Midfield – Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
Gini Wijnaldum and PSV Eindhoven’s Jerdy Schouten were candidates for this spot but Gravenberch could be the ideal option to fill the gaping void left by De Jong’s absence. The 22-year-old was not a consistent starter in his first season with Liverpool but he has shown his class in the past, particularly at Ajax. An excellent ball carrier with strength, composure and an eye for a pass, Gravenberch may be afforded the chance to elevate his status at Euro 2024.
Centre Midfield – Joey Veerman (PSV Eindhoven)
With Koopmeiners out of the tournament, Veerman is primed to take on the role of the Netherlands’ main creative and attacking influence in the middle of the park. The 25-year-old enters the tournament on the back of a sensational Eredivisie campaign in which he registered five goals and 16 assists from 29 appearances. An aggressive playmaker who ticks all the boxes for Koeman, Veerman is someone to keep an eye out for.
Right Wing – Xavi Simons (PSG)
Simons’ signature is sought after this summer and for good reason. With an impressive 10 goals and 15 assists on loan at RB Leipzig in 2023-24, his output in the final third is set to be a crucial factor for this Netherlands side. On the ball he is magic, gliding past players with ease when needed and then offloading the ball smartly to maintain possession if required. Simons is a world beater in the making and we expect him to be one of the stars of Euro 2024.
Striker – Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid)
Experienced striker Depay has played all over Europe and scored goals in every team he has been a part of, managing nine for Atletico in 2023-24 and with the determination to add to his international tally this summer. His aggressive playing style provides a great outlet for the Netherlands when under pressure, as he has that natural striker’s instinct and ability to turn a bad pass into a good one. In order for Koeman’s side to start on the front foot, Depay will need to be on top form, his strength from the front making the whole team’s job that little bit easier.
Left Wing – Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
Gakpo has found his feet in the Premier League, becoming close to a mainstay in a strong Liverpool team under now departed manager Jurgen Klopp. Signed as a striker, Gakpo seems better suited to a wider role where his natural ability shines through. Always dangerous 1v1 with defenders, he provides excellent support for the striker with clever passes and high-quality delivery. With the attacking strength of the Dutch side and the tactical blueprint Koeman has, players like Gakpo will really thrive as they are not given strict roles, instead encouraged to be intelligent and adapt to the needs of the game.
Netherlands Euro 2024 Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at the time of publication and subject to change
Xavi Simons to win Young Player of the Tournament – 12.00
Memphis Depay to be Netherlands’ top scorer – 4.30
Netherlands to win Group D – 3.75
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