After a disappointing round of 16 loss to the Czech Republic at Euro 2021 and a painful penalty defeat to Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, the Netherlands enter Euro 2024 hoping to advance past the quarter-finals of a major tournament for the first time since 2014.
Their squad is packed full of established stars such as Virgil Van Dijk and Nathan Ake but also contains some younger players looking to make their mark on the European stage. Last Word on Football looks at three Netherlands players to look out for in Euro 2024.
Three Key Netherlands Players for Euro 2024
Netherlands Euro 2024: Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong has announced himself to the eager football watcher this season. The 23-year-old was a key player as Bayer Leverkusen had a historic, unbeaten domestic 2023/24. He scored nine goals and registered seven assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances. However, such a good season has not quite got everyone’s approval, not even manager Ronald Koeman’s.
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It is a shock that the Netherlands’ 4-0 win against Canada, where Frimpong netted his first international goal, was only his third appearance for his country. The wing-back was included in the 2022 World Cup squad but didn’t get his debut until an October 2023 qualifier against France.
Frimpong seems likely to be used as a winger at Euro 20224. The Netherlands don’t usually play with wing-backs, and Lutsharel Geertruida and Denzel Dumfries are preferred at right-back. This suits the 23-year-old as he was one of the most creative players in the Bundesliga this season. Playing further forward gives the Bayer Leverkusen man more freedom without the defensive responsibility.
Following the best season of his career, Euro 2024 is Frimpong’s chance to announce himself to the casual fan.
Xavi Simons
Another young player who shone in the Bundesliga this season was Xavi Simons, who scored eight goals and registered 11 assists on a season-long loan from PSG. Like Frimpong, the 21-year-old was called up to the World Cup squad but barely featured. The attacking midfielder made his international debut from the bench in the round of 16 against the USA.
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Since then, Simons has tallied up 13 appearances for his country but has yet to score or assist. The 21-year-old was an unused substitute in the Netherlands’ warm-up game against Canada and looks set to start Euro 2024 on the bench. The former Barcelona academy star needs to impress from the bench – as his performances this summer – could determine his next career step.
Simons looks set for another loan move this summer. If he impresses enough during Euro 2024 – PSG may decide it is finally the time to give the 21-year a chance.
Bart Verbruggen
Another young star, Bart Verbruggen, seems to have beaten competition from Brentford’s Mark Flekken and Feyenoord’sJustin Bijlow to be the Netherlands’ number 1 at Euro 2024. The 21-year-old is no stranger to a goalkeeping battle, spending his debut season at Brighton fighting with Jason Steele for the starting role. The former Anderlecht goalkeeper’s eight starts over the final 10 Premier League games suggest he eventually beat his more experienced competitor.
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Verbruggen will be one of the youngest goalkeepers playing at Euro 2024 and how well the 21-year-old can keep his cool will be a major factor in how far the Netherlands can go. The Brighton goalkeeper is another player who made his debut in October, as Koeman looked to fast-track some of the country’s younger stars toward contention.
However, at 32 years old, captain Virgil Van Dijk does not have the patience or time for rookie mistakes from his goalkeeper. If Verbruggen makes any big errors during the tournament he will likely be quickly replaced. Although if he shines, the 21-year-old could be the subject of some lucrative transfer speculation.
