The Netherlands are in the World Cup Quarterfinal. They meet Lionel Messi and Argentina, who they faced in a Semifinal in 2014. Louis van Gaal might be the best tactical manager left in Qatar. They surprised the United States with how they set up in the Round of 16. How will they lineup against Albicelestes and what tactical wrinkles could they deploy?
Netherlands Lineup Prediction vs Argentina in World Cup Quarterfinal for December 9
How Clockwork Orange Have Lined up Recently
Eight players have started all four games so far in this tournament. The goalkeeper and back three have been the same. Frenkie de Jong has been in the middle with Daley Blind and Denzel Dumfries out wide. Cody Gakpo has started all four games in various spots in the front three. Davy Klaassen has started three of four games as an attacking midfielder. Marten de Roon has been the most common midfield parter with de Jong. Memphis Depay and Steven Bergwijn have split time up top with Gakpo.
Read More: Netherlands vs Argentina Predictions and Best Odds for December 9
Netherlands Recent Form and Tactics
Every time on paper, Louis van Gaal has lined up in a 3-4-2-1. Most their variations has come in what they’ve done rather than the shape or who was on the pitch. The wingbacks Blind and Dumfries have been aggressive at times. Other times, they’ve dropped back into almost a back five. There’s been plenty of fluidity between the three central midfielders. I’d imagine they approach this game similar to the Round of 16 against the United States. They’ll press in the middle of the pitch, defend Messi in groups, and look to cause havoc in transition. They did this so well against the Americans. It was their best performance so far. Look for them to replicate this as they’ll be the best team yet Argentina will play defensively and in transition. They played very well in that match after cruising through the group stage. They only game they did not win was against Ecuador. That match ended in a 1-1 draw. They have built off every performance so far this tournament. That will again be required for them to best Messi and Argentina.
Netherlands Injuries to Consider
The Dutch appear to have a clean bill of health going into this game. A reported flu outbreak did not cause any absences last Saturday. They have no players suspended either.
Read More: USA Netherlands Takeaways: Mistakes, Fine Margins, and More
Netherlands Lineup Prediction
GK – Andries Noppert
CB – Jurriën Timber
CB – Virgil van Dijk (C)
CB – Nathan Aké
RM – Denzel Dumfries
CM – Marten de Roon
CM – Frenkie de Jong
LM – Daley Blind
CAM – Davy Klaassen
ST – Cody Gakpo
ST – Memphis Depay
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