Netherlands National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Hato · van de Ven · van Dijk · Dumfries · Depay · Malen · Gravenberch · Reijnders · de Jong · Lang · Verbruggen

The Netherlands prioritize a vertical style of play using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to exploit space behind the opposition defense through quick transitions. The Oranje want to move the ball forward rapidly once they win possession in the middle third to catch opponents out of position.

Verbruggen operates as the goalkeeper to organize the back line. The defense functions as a back five that can sit deep to deny space. van Dijk provides aerial strength and uses his passing range to launch attacks from the back. Gravenberch plays in the central area to cover space, while van de Ven uses his pace to sweep behind the line if the opposition breaks quickly. Hato and Dumfries act as attacking wing backs to provide width and overlap the wingers.

The midfield consists of a two-man pairing with de Jong and Reijnders. de Jong uses his ability to carry the ball forward and his press resistance to progress through the thirds. Reijnders connects the defensive unit to the attack by making late runs into the box. They work together to squeeze the space in the middle and win the second ball. This duo helps the team recycle possession and find the feet of the attackers.

Up front, the team utilizes three attackers. Depay acts as the central striker and often drops into midfield to link up play with the runners. Malen and Lang play as wide attackers who look to cut inside and find gaps in the defense. Dumfries and Hato push high to overlap the wingers and deliver crosses into the box. This allows the team to attack in combinations and pull wide to stretch the defense.

A major advantage for the Netherlands is the ability to create wide overloads with the attacking wing backs. The formation also allows for high levels of compactness when defending in a mid-block. The speed of transition when de Jong or Reijnders find the front three allows the team to hit in behind on the transition effectively.

The 5-2-3 formation offers a balance between defensive solidity and attacking threat. This is best suited for matches against teams that commit many players forward and leave the wings exposed.