MY ACCOUNT
Sunday will see the Netherlands and Belgium go head-to-head in the Nations League for the second time this year.
The neighbours currently occupy the top two places in Group D, with the Dutch winning the previous fixture 4-1 back in June.
And as Louis van Gaal and Roberto Martinez prepare to finalise their World Cup squads, we have pulled together our best combined XI from the two sides.
We are lining up in a 3-4-3 formation as both teams enjoy playing with three at the back.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)
A safe pair of hands is needed for every team and Thibaut Courtois is the obvious choice in net.
Fresh off the back of a successful campaign with Real Madrid, the Champions League winner was outstanding in the final against Liverpool and pulled off a number of magnificent saves in Paris.
Centre-back: Jurrien Timber (Netherlands)
On the right of our back three, Jurrien Timber has shown his class at Ajax to help them to their 36th Eredivisie title.
The defender was subject to much transfer talk over the summer — and for good reason. He gets the nod over Toby Alderweireld in this instance.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
Despite recent criticism around Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool colossus cannot be denied a place in this line-up.
The Reds suffered with the 31-year-old on the sidelines during the 2020-21 campaign and his commanding presence for his country should not be underestimated.
Centre-back: Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands)
Matthijs de Ligt rounds off an all-Dutch defence with the Bayern Munich star a must-have on the left of a back three.
Jan Vertonghen is not the player he once was and De Ligt edges out Nathan Ake due to his consistency having featured 42 times for Juventus last season.
Right midfield: Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands)
Thomas Meunier would be a solid bet if you were looking for a well-rounded wing-back, but Denzel Dumfries has that something special.
The Inter Milan talent scored in the last meeting between these two and his electric pace makes him a goalscoring threat for both club and country.
Central midfield: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
There is simply no doubt that Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best creative midfielders in world football — he already has six Premier League assists this season.
Operating as more of a No10, the 31-year-old holds the key to unlocking any defence he comes up against and his form will undoubtedly influence Belgium’s progress at the World Cup.
Central midfield: Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands)
Now that the summer’s transfer saga is over, Frenkie de Jong can refocus on his football with domestic and national success at the forefront of his mind.
Barcelona’s No21 specialises in progressing the ball into higher areas of the pitch and he holds off Axel Witsel for a place in the heart of midfield.
Left midfield: Yannick Carrasco (Belgium)
One of Europe’s most experienced wing-backs, Yannick Carrasco is the perfect addition at left midfield.
The Atletico Madrid speedster recorded 12 goal contributions for the Spanish side last season whereas Timothy Castagne — his nearest competition — mustered just one.
Right-wing: Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
Cody Gakpo has been one of Europe’s hottest talents this season. Just seven matches into the new season and the PSV winger has eight goals and six assists for the Dutch side.
Manchester United were seriously interested in the 23-year-old this summer and it is his production in the final third that earns him a place over Steven Bergwijn.
Centre-forward: Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
Having returned to Inter Milan for the 2022-23 campaign, Romelu Lukaku already looks back at home with a goal and an assist in three appearances for the Nerazzurri.
Memphis Depay is unlucky to miss out having scored 42 times for his country, but Lukaku’s influence in a Belgium shirt cannot be ignored, even if he is currently struggling with injury.
Left-wing: Leandro Trossard (Belgium)
Perhaps a surprise package in the combined XI, but Leandro Trossard has been impressing in a Brighton shirt for the best part of 12 months.
Fending off international team-mate Eden Hazard, the 27-year-old is finally getting the recognition he deserves having tallied 10 goal contributions in 2022.
Let us know what you think of our combined XI on social media.
