The Netherlands is traditionally one of the great teams on the planet. If they start in a tournament, they always belong to the widened circle of favorites and the story is no different at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar . That is true, although the team has not been very successful in recent years.
The Dutch failed to qualify for the 2018 Russia World Cup at all. At Euro 2021 , after a strong group stage, they surprisingly finished in the Round of 16 against the Czech Republic. Therefore, the Dutch association has reacted with Louis van Gaal, the man who recently had success as coach of Bonds has returned to the coaching position. He led the Oranje to third place in the 2014 World Cup.
We take a look at the Netherlands' World Cup squad as they will try to repeat that feat in Qatar, or do even better.
Orange traditionally play in a 4-3-3 formation under team boss van Gaal. This system should also come into play at the final tournament in Qatar.
Archers.
To keep an eye on the goal, van Gaal relied on Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord Rotterdam) in almost every match of the World Cup qualifiers. The 24-year-old will likely be among the World Cup berths as well.
The first replacement is former number 1 Jasper Cillessen (FC Valenica), who was ruled out of EURO 2021 shortly before the start of the tournament due to a coronavirus infection. German legionnaire Mark Flekken (SC Freiburg) should sit on the bench as number 3.
Defenses.
Captain Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool FC) establishes himself in central defence. Next to him should appear the experienced Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan). However, van Gaal could also have Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus Turin) playing alongside the team captain if he finds a younger player more attractive or if de Vrij is not quite fit.
The fourth central defender of the Dutch team for the 2022 World Cup is Jurrien Timber (Ajax Amsterdam). Nathan Aké (Manchester City), who can play both central defense and left-back, should also travel to Qatar. As a left-back, it is very likely that we will see Daley Blind (Ajax Amsterdam) in the starting line-up. Young Tyrell Malacia (Feyenoord Rotterdam) is available as a substitute. At right back, Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan) is an undisputed regular.
Midfielders.
In midfield, van Gaal almost always relied on Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona) in sixth position and before that Davy Klaassen (Ajax Amsterdam) and Georginio Wijnaldum (Paris Saint-Germain) in eighth position. Consequently, the three men are our advice for the starting eleven.
Otherwise, the two Atalanta teammates Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta Bergamo) and Marten de Roon would be available for midfield. In addition, the 20-year-old young star Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax Amsterdam) expects a few minutes in this position.
Attackers.
In the Dutch attacking line is the strong Memphis Depay (FC Barcelona). Bond's coach, van Gaal, almost always relied on Steven Berghuis (Ajax Amsterdam) on the right flank. Steven Bergwijn (Tottenham Hotspur) was used in most games on the left.
Other options for wingers include BVB striker Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund) and Arnaut Danjuma (Villareal FC). Former VfL Wolfsburg centre-forward Wout Weghorst (FC Burnley) will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.
The most important information.
Who are the talents in the Netherlands squad for the 2022 World Cup?
The Netherlands traditionally boast a large number of top talents in their ranks. This will be no different at the World Cup in Qatar. Ajax Amsterdam's Ryan Gravenberch is only 20 years old in the final and will surely be watched by many scouts there. His teammate Jurrien Timber (Ajax Amsterdam) is also still a gem at 21 years old.
Players like de Ligt (Juventus Turin) or Malacia (Feyenoord) will be only 23 years old at the Qatar tournament. So there is no shortage of young and hungry players in the Dutch World Cup squad.
What are the chances of winning the world title?
Holland is solid in goal, but not outstanding. The same applies to full-back positions. On the other hand, the Dutch have excellent players available in defense, midfield and attack, and sometimes more than once. The central defense is even absolutely world class.
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