The Netherlands have an opportunity to end an unwanted record when they play Turkey in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. Oranje haven’t reached the last four of a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup. The last quarter-final of the tournament takes place on July 6 at 8 pm in Hertha Berlin’s Olympiastadion. To make it to this stage Ronald Koeman’s side beat Romania 3-0 while their opponents hung on for a 2-1 victory over Austria. Here is our Netherlands predicted lineup for a tie that could set up a semi-final with England.
Netherlands Predicted Lineup Vs. Turkey at Euro 2024
How the Netherlands Have Lined Up Recently
Koeman made three changes to his team as they dominated Group E winners Romania. Denzel Dumfries replaced Lutsharel Geertruida, Joey Veerman was dropped for the return of Xavi Simons, and Steven Bergwijn made his first appearance at Euro 2024 in place of Donyell Malen. The changes contributed to Oranje’s most complete performance of the tournament. They controlled the game and created quality chances throughout.
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Bart Verbruggen had his quietest game of the competition, he was only required to make one save as Oranje made their dominance count. In defence, Dumfries proved why it was a mistake for Koeman to drop him against Austria. He wreaked havoc all game but will hope his crossing is more accurate against Turkey. The defensive pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrijj returned to form after a disappointing display in the final group game. Nathan Ake’s solid work allowed Cody Gakpo to push on and punish Romanian defenders on the left.
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The Netherlands finally had their three most in-form midfielders starting together and they made easy work of the possession battle in Munich. Tijjani Reijnders continued his impressive tournament by completing 69 of his 72 pass attempts. Jerdy Schouten’s battling performance ensured Romania couldn’t create anything on the counterattack. Simons should’ve scored at least once but his two assists demonstrated why he is such a wanted man this summer.
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In attack, Cody Gakpo has been one of the tournament’s best players. The Liverpool forward has scored three goals at Euro 2024, tied with three other players for the Golden Boot. Memphis Depay continued his good all-round play against Romania but seems to be allergic to putting the ball in the back of the net. The attacker, currently without a club, has missed four big chances during the tournament.
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Malen’s second-half display should’ve cemented him as Koeman’s go-to option on the right wing. The Dortmund attacker replaced Bergwijn at half-time and was instantly a threat on the counterattack. His first goal, a tap-in after some great work from Gakpo, showed his striker’s instincts. The 25-year-old sealed the win for Oranje in stoppage time, demonstrating his sensational pace after being played through by Simons.
Recent Form and Tactics
Koeman will hope that the win against Romania was a true indication of where the Netherlands are and not just an example of the great job their opponents did to top Group E. Favourites France and England are still yet to find their top form at Euro 2024 so the race to lift the trophy is wide open. In the round of 16, Turkey beat Austria. The troubles Oranje faced against Ralf Rangnick’s eliminated side will still be fresh in their memory. The Dutch side has an opportunity to prove that defeat was just a blip against Turkey.
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The former Barcelona manager has stuck with his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 throughout Euro 2024. It’s a system that plays to the Netherlands’ strengths, it grants their wide players space to operate and their creative midfield players protection behind. Simons is thriving in the space created for him in attacking midfield, constantly looking to get on the ball and drive Oranje forward. Koeman has finally found his best lineup. Turkey will be up against the best version of the Oranje Euro 2024 has seen.
Injuries to Consider
Despite suffering injuries to key midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners before the tournament, the Netherlands have been mostly injury-free. Injury replacements Ian Maatsen and Joshua Zirkzee are still yet to play a minute this summer. The other outfield players still yet to make their Euro 2024 debuts are Brian Brobbey and Matthijs de Ligt.
Netherlands Predicted Lineup
Gk: Bart Verbruggen
RB: Denzel Dumfries
CB: Stefan de Vrijj
CB: Virgil van Dijk
LB: Nathan Ake
DM: Jerdy Schouten
DM: Tijjani Reijnders
AM: Xavi Simons
LW: Cody Gakpo
RW: Donyell Malen
ST: Memphis Depay
