The standout players for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup

After what must haven been a frustrating transitional period for the Netherlands, failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia after finishing runners-up in South Africa (2010) and winning bronze in 2014 (Brazil), the Dutch have made a good account at this year’s World Cup in Qatar, making it to the quarter-finals before later crashing out to Argentina. 

The Oranje were never really favoured to go all the way and win their maiden world title on this website, with the bookmakers giving them little more than an outside chance of hoisting aloft the famous trophy after the World Cup final played out at the Lusail Stadium on 18^th December. But in reaching the last eight, the Netherlands did themselves justice in the Middle East and now have a very good foundation to build on when it comes to Euro 2022 taking place in their neighbouring Germany in less than two years’ time.

With that said, here’s a look back at some of the Dutch’s best-performing players in Qatar.

Cody Gakpo

One of the standout performers of the entire tournament, let alone for the Netherlands, few players made the world sit up and take notice as much as Cody Gakpo did. Some might have recognised the name prior to the World Cup, as the 23-year-old was linked with Manchester United in the summer and captained PSV Eindhoven to a 2-0 win over Arsenal in the Europa League.

However, the exciting forward is now a household name around the globe after his heroics for his country, scoring in three successive games against Senegal, Ecuador and Qatar as the Dutch topped Group A unscathed. 

Gakpo, who has nine goals and 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games this season, looks increasingly likely to join Manchester United in January – but the Red Devils could face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal. 

Frenkie de Jong

Another player heavily liked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams as Erik ten Hag continues the Dutch revolution at Old Trafford, Frenkie de Jong has largely dominated proceedings in the centre of the park for the Netherlands. 

The midfielder got the assist for Gakpo’s first goal of the tournament against African champions Senegal as the Oranje grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck late on, eventually winning 2-0 thanks to goals in the final 10 minutes – and he even got on the scoresheet with a rare goal as the Netherlands beat Qatar by the same scoreline. 

On the other side of the ball, De Jong made 12 tackles, six interceptions, three clearances and three blocks to help his side keep two clean sheets. 

Virgil van Dijk

One of the best players on the planet, Virgil van Dijk finally got to showcase his defensive skills at a World Cup this year. There were concerns as the 31-year-old hadn’t been in the best of form at club level for Liverpool in the first half of the 2022-23 Premier League season, but he didn’t really put a foot wrong in the Middle East – or at least not until his penalty in the shootout against Argentina.

The towering centre-back completed almost 90% of his passes across the Netherlands games in Qatar, winning 14 arial duels, making 21 clearances and seven blocks. Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that he can bring that kind of defensive resilience back to Anfield with him, as the Reds aim to climb further up the table at the restart on Boxing Day. 

The editorial unit