Netherlands Football Team: Players, Tactics & Future Prospects
The Netherlands national football team, known as “Oranje,” has long been a powerhouse in international football. With a history of producing world-class players and an iconic tactical approach, they continue to be a strong contender in global tournaments.
Best Players in the Netherlands Squad
As of 2025, the Netherlands boasts a well-balanced team with a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents.
Key Players:
- Virgil van Dijk (CB – Liverpool): The captain and defensive leader, known for his composure, aerial dominance, and leadership at the back.
- Frenkie de Jong (CM – Barcelona): The heart of the midfield, dictating play with his vision, passing, and ability to control the tempo.
- Memphis Depay (FW – Atlético Madrid): A versatile forward who can create and score goals, making him a key attacking threat.
- Cody Gakpo (LW – Liverpool): A rising star, known for his pace, dribbling, and finishing ability.
- Xavi Simons (AM – RB Leipzig – on loan from PSG): A dynamic young playmaker with excellent ball control and creativity.
- Denzel Dumfries (RB – Inter Milan): A powerful right-back who contributes both defensively and offensively.
Emerging talents like Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Jurrien Timber are also expected to play a bigger role in the future.
Tactics & Playing Style
The Dutch have always been known for their attacking, possession-based football, inspired by Johan Cruyff’s Total Football philosophy. Under manager Ronald Koeman, the team primarily plays in a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formation, depending on the opposition.
Key Tactical Features:
- High Pressing: The Netherlands applies intense pressing to regain possession quickly.
- Ball Control & Passing: With midfielders like De Jong, the team focuses on quick passing and maintaining control.
- Attacking Full-Backs: Dumfries and Aké push forward, providing width and extra attacking options.
- Counter-Attacking Speed: Players like Gakpo and Simons add speed to the attack, making the Netherlands dangerous on the break.
- Defensive Stability: Led by Van Dijk, the defense remains compact, while midfielders track back to maintain balance.
Netherlands’ Future in International Football
With a squad full of talent and a strong tactical identity, the Netherlands is expected to be a serious contender in major tournaments like Euro 2028 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The integration of young talents like Simons, Gravenberch, and Frimpong alongside experienced players ensures that the team remains competitive for years to come.
If Koeman can refine their attacking efficiency while maintaining defensive solidity, the Netherlands could soon reclaim their place among football’s elite.
All in all
The Netherlands continues to produce top-tier talent and play exciting football. With a mix of experience, youth, and a strong tactical system, they remain a team to watch in world football. If they can fine-tune their finishing and big-game mentality, a major international trophy might not be far away.
Netherlands Ratings Out of 10 :
Here’s my rating for the Netherlands national football team (as of 2025) out of 10:
Strikers: 8.5/10
- Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo, and Xavi Simons provide versatility and creativity.
- Lack of a world-class No. 9 limits their goal-scoring potential in big matches.
Midfielders: 8.5/10
- Frenkie de Jong is world-class, and Gravenberch, Reijnders, and Simons add dynamism.
- Could use a stronger defensive midfielder for balance.
Defenders: 9.5/10
- Virgil van Dijk leads an elite backline with De Ligt, Aké, and Dumfries.
- One of the best defensive setups in world football.
Manager (Ronald Koeman): 8/10
- Experienced and tactically solid but needs to improve decision-making in knockout games.
Overall Team Rating: 8.8/10
- Strong squad with excellent defense and midfield.
- If they find a top-tier striker, they could be title contenders in major tournaments.
Netherlands National Team Squad (2025) – Estimated Market Value
| Position | Player | Club (2025) | Estimated Market Value (€M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Bart Verbruggen | Brighton | €35M |
| Goalkeeper | Mark Flekken | Brentford | €10M |
| Goalkeeper | Nick Olij | Sparta Rotterdam | €5M |
| Defender | Virgil van Dijk (C) | Liverpool | €40M |
| Defender | Matthijs de Ligt | Bayern Munich | €55M |
| Defender | Nathan Aké | Manchester City | €50M |
| Defender | Jurrien Timber | Arsenal | €45M |
| Defender | Denzel Dumfries | Inter Milan | €35M |
| Defender | Stefan de Vrij | Inter Milan | €10M |
| Defender | Jorrel Hato | Ajax | €30M |
| Midfielder | Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona | €80M |
| Midfielder | Ryan Gravenberch | Liverpool | €50M |
| Midfielder | Tijjani Reijnders | AC Milan | €45M |
| Midfielder | Xavi Simons | RB Leipzig (loan) | €85M |
| Midfielder | Marten de Roon | Atalanta | €15M |
| Forward | Memphis Depay | Atlético Madrid | €25M |
| Forward | Cody Gakpo | Liverpool | €65M |
| Forward | Brian Brobbey | Ajax | €40M |
| Forward | Steven Bergwijn | Al-Ittihad | €20M |
Top 3 Most Valuable Dutch Players (2025)
- Xavi Simons – €85M 🔥 (Young star, playmaker, key passes, goal contributions)
- Frenkie de Jong – €80M 🎯 (Elite passer, key playmaker, controls tempo)
- Cody Gakpo – €65M ⚡ (Versatile, strong finishing, high work rate)
Total Squad Value: ~ €765M
This value is based on current form, contributions to club & country, consistency, and overall impact.
Final Thoughts :
My own estimated total market value for the top national teams based on player quality, consistency, key stats (goals, assists, passes, clean sheets, and Man of the Match awards), and potential for future growth.
Comparison of Total Market Values (2025) – My Estimation
| National Team | Total Estimated Market Value (€ Million) | Top 3 Most Valuable Players |
|---|---|---|
| England 🇬🇧 | €1.05B | Jude Bellingham (€140M), Bukayo Saka (€120M), Phil Foden (€110M) |
| France 🇫🇷 | €1.02B | Kylian Mbappé (€180M), Eduardo Camavinga (€110M), Aurélien Tchouaméni (€100M) |
| Brazil 🇧🇷 | €950M | Vinícius Jr. (€150M), Rodrygo (€100M), Bruno Guimarães (€95M) |
| Netherlands🇳🇱 | €765M | Xavi Simons (€85M), Frenkie de Jong (€80M), Cody Gakpo (€65M) |
| Argentina🇦🇷 | €720M | Enzo Fernández (€90M), Julián Álvarez (€85M), Lautaro Martínez (€80M) |
Observations:
- England & France lead in total market value due to their young stars and squad depth.
- Brazil follows closely, mainly because of Vinícius Jr., who is one of the most valuable players in the world.
- Netherlands has a solid squad value, but they lack a €100M+ superstar like Mbappé or Bellingham.
- Argentina is slightly lower, as many of their key players (Messi, Di María, Otamendi) are aging.
Predictions :
The Netherlands has always been a powerhouse in international football, producing world-class players and delivering strong performances in major tournaments. Their current squad is well-balanced, with a rock-solid defense led by Virgil van Dijk, a dynamic midfield orchestrated by Frenkie de Jong, and an exciting attack featuring Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, and Memphis Depay.
They have the potential to beat any top team on their day, making them a serious challenge for favorites like England, Argentina, France, and Brazil. The Dutch style of play, blending tactical discipline with attacking flair, always makes them a dangerous opponent.
A semi-final spot is definitely within reach, and if they perform at their peak, they could even push for a historic title win. The world will be watching to see if the Oranje can finally break their trophy drought!
Happy Football