The three Netherlands danger men that could dent France’s Nations League hopes
Published:
Ronald Koeman beginning a renaissance in Holland
England’s match against the USA may be stealing the headlines on UK shores, but there’s some big matches all over Europe in the Nations League this weekend.
France and Holland face off in Amsterdam with Les Bleus knowing a win would see them advance to the last-four.
But this won’t be plain sailing for the World Champions with Ronald Koeman’s men in great form.
The Dutch have a younger core coming through now and are 2/1 to grab the victory.
So that being said, we take a look at who could do some damage for Oranje.
Virgil Van Dijk
The captain is the fulcrum of club and country. At 27-years-old Van Dijk is coming into his peak and is now producing arguably the best football of his career.
Often an immoveable object at the heart of the defence, his partnership with youngster Mathijs de Ligt is becoming the bedrock of this new-look Dutch side.
The Netherlands have only conceded six goals in their last seven games and kept a clean sheet against Germany.
Van Dijk will be a danger at set-pieces and has a fierce strike that Les Bleus will have to be wary of.
Memphis Depay
Depay’s impressive form for Lyon this season begs the question of why did Manchester United let him go?
The 24-year-old forward’s sensational free-kick against Guingamp last weekend was just the tip of the iceberg.
After failing to establish himself in the Premier League, he’s fast becoming one of the most effective players in Europe.
He’s already netted six goals in 15 league games. He’s also been the driving force that’s put Lyon within touching distance of the Champions League last-sixteen.
Frenkie de Jong
The latest bright, young thing in Dutch football. De Jong has admitted he models his style of play on Xavi and Andres Iniesta and it’s easy to see why.
Still only 21-years-old, he’s established himself in the Ajax side and is now a key part of Koeman’s starting-eleven.
The famous book was called the Brilliant Orange and it was written about a generation of players of the ilk of De Jong.
If he begins to dictate in the middle of the park then France could be in trouble.
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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
