Euro 2024: Four Key Players Who Can Be the Game-changers for The Netherlands

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The Netherlands has announced a provisional 30-man squad for the upcoming 2024 summer European Championship. Despite having a talented squad, Louis van Gaal's team had a short but impressive run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and now that is inherited by Ronaldo Koeman, who has made Oranje runner-up in their qualifier group just below France.

In the last Euro in 2021, they were eliminated by the Czech Republic in the Round of 16. In this Euro, the Dutch will try to make a bigger impact and win the trophy back after 1988.

Currently, the Oranjes have the perfect balance of youth and seasoned players in their squad. Especially their defence line-up is quite star-studded and features some of the best talents in Europe. Though they are not among the favourites to win the trophy in 2024, they are certainly the dark horse of the tournament.

The Netherlands will again face France in the group stage as they both are placed in Group D, along with Poland and Austria. It will be expected from them to qualify for the knockouts and cause some upsets for some of the favourites of this championship.

Euro 2024: Who are the Top Four Players to Watch For Netherlands?

Now as Koeman has announced a strong squad of 30 players, though provisional, we have looked into and selected a few players who could be the game changer for the Oranje in Euro 2024.

Virgil van Dijk

Age: 32, Club: Liverpool FC, Position: Centre-back

The 32-year-old Liverpool star is a strong, right-footed centre-back known for his pace, strength, techniques and aerial ability. Also, their leadership qualities in him helped to consolidate the defence line-up. Van Dijk is also good at taking set pieces and has an eye for goal. This season with Liverpool he has 2 goals and 2 assists. With almost no error leading to a shot to goal and 3.9 aerial duels won per match, the defender has been brilliant against the fierce attacking sides of the EPL. The Dutchman will be the pillar of the Netherlands' central defence and also the leader of the squad.

Nathan Ake

Age: 29, Club: Manchester City FC, Position: Centre-back

The Manchester City defender will be the other centre-back in the first team, along with his EPL rival Virgil van Dijk. He also plays as a left-back in his club. Ake is known for his versatility, good passing abilities, and good technique. He is a strong and physical player with the ability to handle one-on-one situations with composure and the ability to make tackles and interceptions, making him capable of winning duels in both ground and air. His game-reading ability is another plus point in his style of play. Ake was an indispensable part of Man City's treble-winning squad and this year also he has been brilliant for the English champions

Frenkie de Jong

Age: 27, Club: FC Barcelona, Position: Central-midfielder

The Dutch midfielder has been blessed with the ability to play naturally in multiple roles like a deep-lying playmaker, defensive-midfielder, central midfielder and holding midfielder. Exceptional game reading, dribbling, control over possession, decisive passing and making offensive runs through the middle- make him a complete midfielder. Long passes with high accuracy, creating space and a heavy work rate are some of his other attributes. His ball-holding and defending ability will be useful against highly attacking teams like France.

Xavi Simons

Age: 21, Club: RB Leipzig, Position: Attacking Midfielder

The young Dutchman plays in the attacking midfielder or right winger role for the Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, on loan from French club Paris Saint Germain. The midfielder has a low centre of gravity with outstanding touch and control. His high-pressing football with accurate long passes and playmaking ability makes him one of the most promising prospects in European football. Simons had an excellent individual season in RB Leipzig with 10 goals and 13 assists. His high-pressing attacking playing style will be crucial for the Netherlands in this Euro as there is a dearth of skilled forwards in this squad.

In recent times, Oranjes' records in international tournaments are not noteworthy. Despite having experienced and talented players in all the positions, who had great displays in their respective clubs, failed to produce the same on the field in their national jerseys. It is the main reason that they remain as dark horses across the tournaments. Now under the guidance of Ronald Koeman the Netherlands will certainly try to deliver some miracles to be considered as a favourite in the upcoming days.