Netherlands National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Maatsen · Frimpong · Verbruggen · van Dijk · van de Ven · de Ligt · Veerman · F. de Jong · Koopmeiners · Malen · Simons

The Netherlands play a high press and vertical game using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and break quickly to catch the opposition out of position. They want to stretch the defence and use the full width of the pitch to create space in the middle.

Verbruggen starts the build up from the back. The back three consists of van de Ven, van Dijk, and de Ligt. van Dijk is dominant in the air and organizes the defensive line. van de Ven uses his speed to cover space when the team plays a high line. de Ligt acts as a ball playing defender to help progress through the thirds. The defensive unit works to hold a compact line when they drop into a mid-block.

The midfield operates as a double pivot with F. de Jong and Veerman. F. de Jong drops between the centre-backs to receive the ball and help play out from the back. Veerman connects the defensive and attacking lines and makes late runs into the box to support the front three. They work to win the second ball and squeeze the space in the center of the pitch. This pairing allows the team to recycle possession and move the ball quickly.

Malen leads the attack as a pressing centre-forward who looks to run in behind. He works to pin the last defender to create space for his teammates. Koopmeiners plays as an inverted winger on the left and cuts inside to create chances. Simons plays on the right and works to isolate a winger in a one on one. Frimpong and Maatsen push up as attacking wing backs to provide width and deliver crosses. This movement forces the opposition to defend against wide overloads and creates many combinations in the final third.

One major strength for the Netherlands is the speed of transition when they win the ball. They also benefit from wide overloads as Frimpong and Maatsen push high to overlap the wingers. The ability to press in high waves allows them to win it back high up the pitch.

This 3-4-3 formation focuses on high intensity and vertical play. It is best suited for facing opponents that play short from the back and leave space behind their midfield.