Netherlands National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

BART (VERBRUGGEN) · DENZEL (DUMFRIES) · JAN PAUL (VAN HECKE) · VIRGIL (VAN DIJK) · JORREL (HATO) · RYAN (GRAVENBERCH) · FRENKIE (DE JONG) · JUSTIN (KLUIVERT) · CRYSENCIO (SUMMERVILLE) · CODY (GAKPO) · DONYELL (MALEN)

Netherlands plays with a high press and aggressive intent using a 4-3-3. The team looks to win the ball back high up the pitch and move the ball forward quickly through the thirds. This formation is built to stretch the defence and use wide areas to create chances.

BART starts in goal to organize the back line. The Netherlands use a flat back four where VIRGIL operates as a ball playing centre back with great passing range and aerial strength. JAN PAUL sits alongside him to provide cover and win the second ball. JORREL acts as an attacking full back to provide width on the left, while DENZEL plays as an overlapping full back on the right to support the wingers. The unit works together to squeeze the space and play out from the back.

The midfield functions with a three man midfield with a carrier to move the ball through the phases. FRENKIE plays as a deep lying playmaker to recycle possession and find the feet of the striker. RYAN acts as a carrier to drive forward with the ball and connect the defensive and attacking lines. JUSTIN operates as an attacking ten behind the striker to find pockets of space and arrive late into the box. This group works to compress the midfield and deny the turn to the opposition.

The front line uses three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. CODY plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create goal scoring opportunities. CRYSENCIO operates on the right to stretch the pitch and deliver early crosses. DONYELL plays as a pressing centre forward to lead the hunt from the front. They look to play one two combinations to break the line and isolate wide players in one on one situations.

One major advantage for the Netherlands is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball. The team can also create wide overloads when JORREL and DENZEL push up to overlap the winger. This creates constant pressure on the opposition full backs.

This 4-3-3 formation is built for dominating possession and suffocating the opponent in their own half. It is best suited for games where the team needs to break down a low block through constant attacking pressure.