Netherlands National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

de Ligt · van de Ven · van Hecke · Maatsen · Frimpong · de Jong · Gravenberch · Malen · Reijnders · Simons · Verbruggen

To drive a high press and vertical attacking style, the Netherlands utilizes a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch to catch opponents out of position. By using this shape, the Dutch aim to control games through aggressive pressing and quick ball movement to keep the opposition pinned back.

Verbruggen starts in goal to organize the back line. The defensive unit functions as a back three where van de Ven plays as the left center back, using his recovery speed to cover space. de Ligt acts as the central defender, using his aerial strength to win headers and command the box. van Hecke sits as the right center back to maintain a narrow defensive block. This trio works to squeeze the space and step up to set the offside trap.

In the middle of the pitch, de Jong and Gravenberch form a double pivot. de Jong plays as a deep lying playmaker, using his passing range to break the line and recycle possession. Gravenberch acts as a carrier to drive forward with the ball and connect the defense to the attack. Maatsen and Frimpong play on the left and right sides to provide width, often overlapping to create numbers in the final third and stretch the opposition.

The attacking trio features Malen as a lone striker who works to pin the last defender. Reijnders stays on the left wing to cut inside and look for gaps in the defense. Simons operates on the right side to create chances and isolate defenders in one on one situations. This front line presses from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The team attacks in combinations, looking for runs in behind or cutbacks from the wide areas to find the feet of the striker.

This formation offers several tactical advantages for the Netherlands. The presence of de Jong and Gravenberch provides control to win the second ball and dominate the center. Using Frimpong and Maatsen allows for wide overloads that stretch the defence. Additionally, the speed of van de Ven allows the team to play a high line and step up aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch.

This 3-4-3 lineup is built to dominate possession and press aggressively. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.