EUROs 2024: Can Ronald Koeman’s Oranje Army go all the way?

The Netherlands won’t be among the favourites to win EURO 2024, but they should be considered dark horses under Ronald Koeman, who guided them to second in their qualifying group behind France.

Koeman inherited a talented squad from Louis van Gaal after their impressive run to the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals and will be confident of making an even bigger splash in Germany.

Netherlands play their final group game tonight against Poland. Koeman’s men just need to avoid defeat to progress to the last 16. The game will be shown live on Showmax Premier League, with kick off at 6pm tonight.

While all eyes may be on the likes of France, Germany, and England at this year’s UEFA EUROs, you’ll be foolish to overlook the Netherlands at this year’s spectacle.

Manager Ronald Koeman has inherited an incredibly talented team, and on paper, the Netherlands should be up there fighting with the best of squads for the trophy at this year’s EUROs.

Everything depends on whether this star-studded team can gel together and play as a strong unit, starting from the back with their captain Virgil van Dijk.

The Liverpool FC captain will be determined to go all the way, having fallen short in the 2022 World Cup when they exited the tournament in the quarter finals.

So far, the Dutch have been good for their money, winning their opening game convincingly, and then followed it up with a strong performance against one of the tournament favourites, France.

The Dutch went into their clash with France as underdogs, and had it not been for a contentious VAR decision, could have walked away with all three points on the night.

Nevertheless, the Dutch were made to settle for a draw on the night, and a valuable point, which means tonight, all Koeman’s men have to do is avoid defeat and they will have sealed their place in the last sixteen of the tournament.

Showmax this week takes a look at the which Dutch players in the squad who could be the difference makers.

Virgil van Dijk

Captain of the Netherlands since 2018, this marks Virgil van Dijk’s first-ever UEFA European Championship, having missed UEFA EURO 2020 through injury. However, after leading his side at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the Oranje lost out to eventual winners Argentina on penalties in the quarter finals, the 32-year-old knows all about the challenges of tournament football.

The Liverpool centre-back is happy to be coach Ronald Koeman’s deputy on the pitch and feels certain that his team have the ability to match any opponent, provided they stick together. Having Man City defender Nathan Ake beside for the EURO’s ensures that the Dutch are air-tight at the centre of defence.

Van Dijk told media recently that his focus was on winning matches at the EUROs and going as far as possible.

“That’s really very much on my mind right now. Winning matches, fighting as a group, as a team, as a country, together, building with each other. And I’m really looking forward to it, for sure.

“Is the fact that the Dutch won the last EURO in Germany in 1988 significant? There were only eight teams back then, so that’s something different. Ultimately, it’s about how you perform in the matches.

“Luck is certainly something you need, and hopefully we have that bit of luck on our side this year, but it’s [also] about how much you want it, what you’re willing to do for it, how you experience it as a team, as well as the support. That’s very important.”

Nathan Ake

Ake has established himself as a reliable and skilful defender. His contributions extend to the international stage, for the Netherlands national team, showcasing his talents at the highest level. Ake’s game is characterised by his agility, tactical awareness, and defensive prowess, making him a key player for both club and country.

His ability to excel under pressure and make crucial defensive contributions will undoubtedly be crucial for the Netherlands’ success in the tournament. He has already shown great promise with a rock solid performance in their 0-0 draw to France.

Jeremy Frimpong

When his teams are in possession, the Netherlands and Bayer Leverkusen player behaves more like a right winger rather than a right-back. He has the pace to eat up ground in the final third and boasts a keen eye for a decisive pass, and in 2023/24 his finishing went to a whole new level. He doesn’t shirk his defensive duties, though, his acceleration the fuel for some rocket-propelled recovery challenges. He will be key to the Netherlands attack.

Jerdy Schouten

With Frankie de Jong missing out on the tournament, Schouten has had to step into the midfielder’s shoes, having been one of PSV’s standout performers during their run to the Eredivisie title and Champions League knockout stages.

It will be interesting to see whether Schouten can deal with the pressures of a tournament of this calibre should they progress into the latter stages of the tournament.

Georginio Wijnaldum

The former Liverpool midfielder has made the cut, despite the fact he now plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, and the Wijnaldum’s experience could be very useful if the Oranje make it to the latter stages of the tournament.

Ryan Gravenberch

He may not have lit up Anfield during his first season with the Reds, but Gravenberch is a player of huge potential and somebody that Koeman could turn to, to provide the midfield with some energy and spark. While his stint at Bayern Munich didn’t help very much, Gravenberch is a player of huge potential as he shown during his days at Ajax Amsterdam.

Wout Weghorst

Wout Weghorst was selected for the Netherlands EURO 2024 squad to offer something “different”, and the striker came off the bench to grab his team an opening 2-1 win over Poland when they had run out of ideas. Two years ago, the 31-year-old scored twice, including a dramatic 101st-minute equaliser from a clever free-kick, in the Oranje’s World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina.

The Dutch suffered an agonising defeat on penalties that night in Qatar, but Weghorst reprised his role as “super sub” against Poland on Sunday to great effect.

After the Netherlands were guilty of a slew of missed chances, the giant forward swept home a cultured left-foot finish just two minutes after coming off the bench, sending the tens of thousands of Dutch supporters in Hamburg into raptures.

Weghorst has now played 46 minutes as a replacement this month across three international matches including 4-0 friendly wins over Canada and Iceland, scoring in every game.

Brian Brobbey

Brobbey will bring a dynamic and powerful presence to the Netherlands’ attack during the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament. His speed, strength, and clinical finishing make him a formidable striker who can trouble any defence. Brobbey’s ability to hold up play, make intelligent runs, and link up with his teammates will provide the Dutch team with a versatile and deadly attacking option. His youthful exuberance and hunger for goals will inject energy and excitement into the team, giving them an edge in crucial matches. With Brobbey leading the line, the Netherlands can expect a potent and thrilling attacking display in the tournament.

Cody Gakpo

It seems that Cody Gakpo has become Mr Reliable for country as much as club. The Liverpool forward struck a first-half leveller for the Netherlands in their EURO 2024 opener with Poland last week. But Gakpo’s 10th goal for the Oranje extended an impressive feat of scoring in every major tournament group encounter for his country.

The 25-year-old found the target for Ronald Koeman’s side at the start of their World Cup campaign two years ago and has now added the EUROs to that list. He will be vital to any success that the Dutch enjoy at the tournament.

Donyell Malen

The 25-year-old attacker had his best season for Borussia Dortmund this past season since he joined back in 2021, netting 15 goals and registering five assists last term.

If he is to bring that form to the Netherlands, he certainly will be a starter in attack for Koeman’s team.

Xavi Simons

Simons is once again one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

Contracted to Paris St-Germain but having impressed last season on loan at RB Leipzig, clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are among those to have been linked.

It has already been a unique journey for a versatile prospect who operates on either wing or behind the striker and speaks six languages.

The child star, teen social media icon, hot prospect is beginning to realise his potential and the next task in Simons’ fledgling career is to deliver for the Netherlands during the EUROs.

Dutch players who have missed out on UEFA EURO 2024

• Sven Botman
• Frenkie de Jong
• Marten de Roon
• Quilindschy Hartman
• Teun Koopmeiners
• Jurrien Timber