The godfather’s of total football are quietly preparing for Euro 2008 with a drive and unification that was missing in the so called ‘golden generation’ of Dutch football. The likes of Kluivert, Seedorf, Bergkamp and Davids mightily underachieved in the last ten years, with squad politics and poor performances, resulting in the loss of faith in the national side.
The boss, Marco Van Basten has received plenty of criticism in the Dutch press and particularly from Johan Cruyf, but his young group of players could spring a surprise at this summer’s championships.
If anyone watched the performance against Wales, it was a focused and mature performance with a balance that the Dutch have not seen in their side for a decade. Journalists and pundits are giving them no hope of qualifying from the group of death, widely tipped as the side to finish at the foot of the group. But the side is determined, concentrating on cultivating a style and system rather than worry about expectation.
They will be willing and ready to make the pundits eat humble pie. I believe the character of the team will revel in proving the doubters wrong. Without wanting to curse the Dutch, I believe they have a fantastic opportunity to advance to the latter stages of the tournament, dare I say it, even win it.
The zenith of the new breed is just bearing the fruits of its labours, as the likes of Robben, Sneijder, Van De Vart and Van Persie are poised to announce a new era of Dutch football. When you add the experience of Van Nistelrooy, the work rate of Kuyt and the roar talent of Huntelaar, it bewilders me that fellow journalists and pundits are writing the Dutch off.
They play in a system that gives the creative forces of Robben, Sneijder, Van Persie and Van de Vart the opportunity to let their artistic side run free and provide the service to Van Nistelrooy. But the glue to the whole operation is a monster of a man, the 6 5” Orlando Engelaar of Shalke, and formerly FC Twente.
At 28, the former forward’s form and leadership for his previous club has seen him promoted to the national starting eleven, as FC Twente finished fourth in the Dutch league. Engelaar possesses the strength of Papa Bouba Diop coupled with astute awareness and precise positioning.
A late developer in terms of international football, this beast of a human blockade has beauty within; possessing a comprehensive range of passing and the ability to engineer a cut throat final ball. The defensive midfielder is the key to the Dutch system and could prove to be one of the players of the tournament.
Furthermore, it’s madness how the memories of Arjen Robben’s talents have been buried, still only 24 and the holder of league medals in Holland, England and Spain, have people forgotten how this man single handily won football matches for Chelsea? Written off as injury prone and inconsistent, Robben is now injury free with a point to prove to football fans and journalists around the world. Finishing the season with a medal and a flurry of goals, Robben will prove to the world what a remarkable genius he is with the ball at his feet.
On his day the winger is a frightening prospect for any defender, quick, skilful and extremely difficult to stop, the classic wing play that tantalises defences. Plus he has added a maturity to his game, where he can take a back seat to fit into different systems. He has become more selfless and as a result is more productive than ever before.
In the same mould is the troubled Robin Van Persie, deemed injury prone, failing to meet the expectation levels of fans, he is another who can change a game in a matter off seconds. Under Wenger Van Persie has become a dedicated professional who has unique abilities guaranteed to cause difficulties for defenders. All he must do is find his scoring touch and the Dutch could be unstoppable.
With Van Der Sar, a keeper in his prime with great experience, they have a superb leader who can help the centre back pairing of Heitinga and Mathijsen. The giant Engelaar should be the protection that leads to a calm and assured backline.
I am a great believer in a balanced system and style that is a base for a side to facilitate their creative strengths. The Dutch can keep the ball and dictate football matches, if they can dominate possession in games they will be difficult to break down. They have the makings of a side that can relive the glory of Euro 88. Watch out Europe, the Dutch are back with a vengeance.