Netherlands National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Maatsen · Botman · van Dijk · Timber · Gravenberch · de Jong · Koopmeiners · Malen · Depay · Simons · Verbruggen

Dominating the ball and pushing high to squeeze the space in the opposition half is the goal for the Netherlands. This high press identity is found in their 2-5-3 formation. The team works to control the middle of the pitch and use a large midfield to win it back high up the pitch.

Verbruggen stays between the posts to act as a sweeper behind a high line. The defensive unit relies on a central pair consisting of Botman and van Dijk. van Dijk uses his aerial strength and passing range to lead the line and play out from the back. Botman works to cover the space beside him to maintain a compact lineup. Because there are only two central defenders, they must step up to intercept passes and keep the line high to minimize the distance between the defence and the midfield.

The Oranje uses a five man midfield to dominate the center of the pitch. Timber and Maatsen act as the deep base to shield the back two. While Timber works to win the second ball and intercept play, Maatsen protects the left side. de Jong and Gravenberch operate as the central engines, with de Jong driving forward with the ball to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Koopmeiners plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to arrive late into the box and use his set piece delivery to create chances.

The attacking trident focuses on wide penetration and central movement. Depay plays as the central striker, holding up the ball to link with the others. Malen and Simons act as wide attackers, with Malen staying wide to stretch the defence and Simons cutting inside to find space. Building play through the thirds allows the team to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. Malen and Simons push the opposition back line high, creating space for Koopmeiners to arrive late into the box.

This formation provides significant numerical superiority in midfield with five players controlling the center. Such a presence allows the team to recycle possession easily and press in coordinated waves. Another advantage is the ability to overload the wide areas through the combined movement of the wingers and the wide midfielders to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

The 2-5-3 formation is built to suffocate opponents and control the tempo of the match. It is best suited for matches where the Netherlands can use their midfield strength to pin the last defender and dictate play.