The Netherlands national football team is one of the biggest names in world football history. Surprisingly, despite reaching the World Cup final three times, they have never won this prestigious trophy. The Dutch were runners-up three times – in 1974, 1978, and 2010 FIFA World Cup. They finished in 3rd position in the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. But in this 2022 FIFA World Cup, orange fans hope their players will bring their first World Cup trophy this time.
The Netherlands is set to play its first World Cup match against African giants Senegal in Qatar on November 21. The Dutch play against American underdog Ecuador on November 25 and will conclude their group stage against host country Qatar on November 29. Let’s take a look at their final squad for Qatar World Cup.
Coach
Aloysius Paulus Maria “Louis” van Gaal is the current football manager of the Dutch national side. In previous times he managed teams like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Ajax, and Manchester United. So it proves that he is among the greatest coaches in the international football circuit. Under his coaching Dutch national football side is one of the favorites who can win the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Qatar soil.
Goalkeepers
The weakest aspect of the Dutch football squad is their goalkeeping. Feyenoord’s goalkeeper Justin Bijlow is the main goalkeeper of the Dutch national football side. But his present poor performances and injury proneness could force coach Van Gaal to look for other goalkeeping options for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Jasper Cillessen has a reputation, but could not do justice to his name at Barcelona or Valencia. So there is a big doubt whether he will play for his country in Qatar. Another Dutch veteran goalkeeper, Remko Pasveer, is also not in good form. So the coach will have to think a lot about who he will play as a goalkeeper on Qatar soil.
| Player name | Club name |
| Justin Bijlow | Feyenoord |
| Jasper Cillessen | NEC Nijmegen |
| Remko Pasveer | AFC Ajax |
| Mark Flekken | SC Feriburg |
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Defenders
The Dutch national side has the world’s strongest defense led by their veteran great center-back Virgil Van Dijk. Liverpool’s defender has great defensive skills like tackling, ball-holding, and blocking. Alongside him, Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij, Denzel Dumfries, and Manchester United’s Tyrell Malacia are the other big names in Dutch football.
Jurrien Timber is one of the best-quality young defenders in the world. The same applies to Jurrien Timber’s club-mate Devyne Rensch and VfL Wolfsburg’s Micky van de Ven.
| Player name | Club name |
| Virgil Van Dijk (captain) | Liverpool |
| Matthijs de Ligt | Bayern Munich |
| Nathan Ake | Manchester City |
| Stefan de Vrij | Inter Milan |
| Denzel Dumfries | Inter Milan |
| Jurrien Timber | AFC Ajax |
| Devyne Rensch | AFC Ajax |
| Micky van de Ven | VfL Wolfsburg |
| Tyrell Malacia | Manchester United |
Midfielders
Wesley Sneijder and Raphael van der Vert are two veteran players who make their decision to retire from international football a few months ago. Frenkie de Jong is giving his career-best performance. Barcelona’s young attacking midfielder can be a terror for opposing teams in the 2022 World Cup. Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch is another outstanding young Dutch midfielder who can give his nation a great promising start.
Atalanta’s midfield duo of Teun Koopmeiners and Marten de Roon may not be spectacular players on Qatar soil in the upcoming World Cup. On the other hand, talented young players like Kenneth Taylor and Xavi Simmons could play for their country in Qatar in November.
Roma’s veteran midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum will miss the squad in Qatar due to a foot injury.
| Player name | Club name |
| Frenkie de Jong | FC Barcelona |
| Ryan Gravenberch | Bayern Munich’ |
| Teun Koopmeiners | Atalanta BC |
| Marten de Roon | Atalanta BC |
| Kenneth Taylor | AFC Ajax |
| Xavi Simmons | PSV |
| Davy Klaassen | AFC Ajax |
| Jordy Clasie | AZ Alkmaar |
Forwards
The Duitch national football side has a great attacking side. Barcelona’s great forward Memphis Depay will lead their nation’s attacking side. Vincent Janssen, Luuk de Jong, and Wout Weghorst are the other Dutch strikers who can take their team near this prestigious trophy.
In a few years, other two star forwards Donyell Malen and Arnaut Danjuma are proving themselves with their great performance. But now they are suffering from various fitness issues. So it is not yet possible to say whether they will go to Qatar World Cup or not. Ajax’s Brian Brobbey and Feyenoord’s Javairo Dilroson are the two young star forwards who can give their team a promising start in Qatar.
| Player name | Club name |
| Memphis Depay | Barcelona |
| Vincent Janssen | Royal Antwerp |
| Luuk de Jong | PSV |
| Wout Weghorst | Beşiktaş JK |
| Donyell Malen | Borussia Dortmund |
| Arnaut Danjuma | Villarreal CF |
| Brian Brobbey | AFC Ajax |
| Javairo Dilroson | Feyenoord |
| Noa Lang |
Conclusion
The Netherlands national football team is one of the biggest names in world football history. Surprisingly, despite reaching the World Cup final three times, they have never won this prestigious trophy. The Dutch were runners-up three times – in 1974, 1978, and 2010 FIFA World Cup. They finished in 3rd position in the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. But again and again, coming so close to the trophy, the pain of losing them will surely bring them closer to the trophy in this year’s World Cup in Qatar. Coach Aloysius Paulus Maria “Louis” van Gaal, veteran defender Virgil Van Dijk and Memphis Depay’s goal-scoring ability will help them to win the trophy in Qatar.
FAQ
Who is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Dutch national football side?
Living legend and also veteran Dutch forward Robin van Persie is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Dutch national football side with 50 international goals in 102 appearances.
What is the main symbol of Dutch national football?
The lion on the crest is the Netherlands’ national and royal animal and also the main symbol of Dutch national football.
How many times did the Netherlands play in the FIFA World Cup final?
The Dutch were runners-up three times – in 1974, 1978, and 2010 FIFA World Cup.