Netherlands National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Focusing on high pressing and quick transitions, the Netherlands play with a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and use vertical passing to catch opponents out of position. The Oranje look to control the game through aggressive pressing and wide attacking movements.

Verbruggen sits between the posts to organize the defensive line. A back three forms the core of the defense, featuring van Dijk, Gravenberch, and van de Ven. van Dijk provides massive aerial strength and organizes the line, while van de Ven uses his recovery speed to cover space behind. Gravenberch acts as a ball playing defender to start attacks from deep. Maatsen and Timber operate as wing backs on either side, tasked with pushing high to provide width and tracking back to support the defensive unit.

The midfield uses a double pivot to manage the center of the pitch. de Jong operates as a deep playmaker, using his ball retention and passing range to connect the defense to the attack. Koopmeiners works alongside him to drive forward into the box and offer an extra layer of pressure in the middle. This pair must shift constantly to cover the gaps left by the advancing wing backs.

In the attacking third, the Netherlands use three forwards to stretch the opposition. Depay leads the line as a striker, often dropping deeper to link play and create space for his teammates. Malen and Simons operate as wide attackers, with Malen looking to cut inside from the left and Simons pushing from the right. These three players press the opposition backline aggressively to force mistakes.

One major advantage is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The presence of van Dijk and Gravenberch allows the team to play a high line with confidence. Additionally, the wing backs Maatsen and Timber create wide overloads, often leaving opponents outnumbered in the flanks.

This formation allows the Netherlands to dominate the pitch through verticality and intense pressure. It is a lineup best suited for games where the team wants to suffocate the opponent and exploit space in transition.