Three-time World Cup finalists, the Netherlands are a long way from being favourites in 2022 World Cup odds. They failed to qualify four years ago, and exited the Euros last year at the round of 16.
Still, the Oranje have reason for optimism in Qatar, having been drawn alongside the hosts, Ecuador and Senegal, who are likely without Sadio Mane.
Louis van Gaal has a squad with upside, a group with experience in key positions and some match-winning talent in the final third.
They might not have the pedigree of some previous World Cup squads, but this is a team which can go toe-to-toe with most sides in the competition.
Denzel Dumfries
Right-back isn’t the first position which comes to mind when pondering which football tips to ride with, but it’s a bit different when a team plays with a back three.
Denzel Dumfries is going to start at wing-back for this Dutch side, charged with covering a lot of ground to aid the defence and provide width in attack.
How much the Dutch push Dumfries forward should they reach the knockout rounds will be a good indicator of the amount of risk they are willing to take.
Cody Gakpo
Manchester United target Cody Gakpo posted a double-double in the Eredivisie last season. He has taken his game to another level in 2022-23, with nine goals and 12 assists in the league already for PSV Eindhoven.
A direct and willing dribbler, Gakpo has a knack for finding space in between the lines and his goal-getting ability makes him a certified match-winner for this Dutch team.
The peculiar timing of this World Cup is a nuisance for many, but for players like Gakpo, it means he goes into the tournament in fine form.
Steven Bergwijn
Much like Gakpo, Steven Bergwijn carries stellar form into this controversial World Cup. Bergwijn largely underwhelmed during his Spurs stint, but he has seven goals and three assists in 12 Eredivisie starts for Ajax this term.
Bergwijn is posting some gaudy expected goal numbers, and he’s among Europe’s elite when it comes to progressive passing.
Van Gaal has a few options in the final third – Bergwijn is a player to keep an eye on in Qatar.
Frenkie de Jong
Surprisingly, Frenkie de Jong doesn’t have the highest market value in the Dutch squad – he’s been pipped to that honour by Matthijs de Ligt.
De Jong is yet to live up to the hype at Barcelona, but this World Cup is an opportunity to really assert himself.
The Arkel native will be able to control proceedings in each of the group matches. When it comes to the knockout rounds, de Jong is the calibre of player who can be a difference-maker for the Netherlands even against some of the world’s best midfielders.
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s defence has been unstable this season. Injuries have played a part, and Virgil van Dijk hasn’t been a liability by any stretch, yet the towering central defender has looked slightly more vulnerable than it recent seasons.
If the Netherlands are to go on a deep run, they need van Dijk at his very best patrolling the middle of the field in the back three.
A change from Liverpool’s system should make life easier for the former Southampton man.
