MY ACCOUNT
The Netherlands have never won a World Cup even though they have reached three finals but they will be hoping to change that in Qatar.
Despite not lifting the famous trophy, the Oranje have boasted some iconic teams over the years — producing players that rank among the best the sport has ever seen.
Ahead of their 11th World Cup campaign, we pick out an XI of the best Dutch players to ever play at the tournament in a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar is one of the best goalkeepers ever, not just for the Netherlands.
He played a commendable 130 games for his nation, spanning from 1995 to 2008 — an incredible 13 years.
Becoming the second-most capped player for a country that has produced a plethora of iconic footballing talents is no accident and speaks volumes about the stopper’s ability.
Right-back: Frank de Boer
Representing the Netherlands 112 times, Frank de Boer was the most-capped player in the nation’s history until Van der Sar overtook him.
He was an exceptional defender but is most well-known for that 60-yard pass to set Dennis Bergkamp up for the late goal that eliminated Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 1998 World Cup.
Centre-back: Jaap Stam
Jaap Stam was a defensive stalwart who played a key part in the Netherlands’ 1998 World Cup run.
He represented the nation 66 times and was one of the best defenders to ever wear the shirt.
Centre-back: Ronald Koeman
Koeman was a unique talent, capable of playing both as a defender or a midfielder.
The versatile star went on to represent his nation at both the 1990 and the 1994 World Cups.
He picked up a total of 78 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 14 goals.
Left-back: Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Giovanni van Bronckhorst was a technically gifted left-back, having started his career in midfield.
His personal highlight with the Netherlands came in his final World Cup campaign in 2010, when he captained the side.
He came within touching distance of being the first skipper to ever win the tournament for the Oranje as they reached the final, losing 1-0 to Spain in extra-time.
Defensive midfield: Ruud Gullit
One of the most complete and versatile players to play the sport, Ruud Gullit was the ultimate Dutch footballer.
Gullit could play almost anywhere, wide or central, deep or advanced, defender or forward — a truly rare talent.
He played 66 times for his country, netting 17 goals, and was a key part of the Netherlands’ 1990 World Cup squad, performing well despite the team’s disappointing last 16 exit.
Central midfield: Wesley Sneijder
Wesley Sneijder remains the most-capped player in the history of the Netherlands, representing his country 134 times.
He was a creative genius who particularly excelled at the 2010 World Cup — scoring five goals — and deserved a winners medal for his efforts.
He narrowly missed out on the Golden Boot award in South Africa, despite scoring the same number as eventual winner Thomas Muller, who claimed victory based on his superior number of assists.
Central midfield: Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is without a doubt one of the most influential figures in modern football, both on and off the pitch.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke of the genius of Cruyff.
He said: “He could run all over the field and he could do everything: set movements up, fly down the wing, run into the penalty area, head the ball in.
“Left foot, right foot, anything — and such speed.”
Cruyff was named Player of the Tournament in the 1974 World Cup and overall scored an incredible 33 goals in only 48 games.
Right wing: Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben was a force to be reckoned with on his day, performing superbly at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
His display in the 5-1 demolition of Spain in the 2014 group stage was iconic, scoring two goals and showing off his searing pace.
The winger scored 37 goals in 96 games for his nation and was appointed captain in 2015.
Striker: Dennis Bergkamp
Bergkamp was a magician, capable of jaw-dropping moments in the final third and this was no different for the Netherlands, scoring 37 goals in 79 games.
His attacking prowess was crucial for the Oranje at the 1998 World Cup, scoring three times in the tournament, including that iconic last-minute goal against Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Left wing: Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie was an elite goalscorer at every stage of his career — and especially with the Netherlands.
The striker scored 50 goals in 102 games for his country and his incredible diving header at the 2014 World Cup is one of the most iconic goals in recent memory.
Do you agree with our line-up? Let us know by tweeting @LiveScore.
