The Netherlands play the last match in their Group C campaign on Monday night and meet Northern Macedonia in Johan Cruyff Arena.
It will be Northern Macedonia’s last match in their first major tournament ever, after a 2-1 loss to Ukraine last time made it impossible for them to qualify for the quarterfinals – but hey, we’ve all grown to love them.
For the Netherlands, however, a convincing 2-0 victory over Austria on match day two pushed them by six points and confirmed their title as Group C winners on their way into the knockout stages. This may persuade Frank de Boer to rotate his start XI, although it is still expected to be a strong group as they enter Monday’s tie and want to maintain a 100% record at Euro 2020.
So, in an attempt to make it three wins out of three, here is the Dutch lineup that can start against Northern Macedonia.
Matthijs De Ligt and Nathan Ake in action against Austria / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Maarten Stekelenburg (GK) – The 38-year-old has done a good job between the sticks in Jasper Cillesen’s absence and should continue as De Boer’s first choice.Stefan De Vrij (CB) – Looked much more comfortable to the right rather than in the middle of a back three against Austria and should continue there.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – An impressive performance last time emphasized his importance for this side – especially in the absence of Virgil van Dijk – and only 21 years he is a decisive start.Nathan Ake (CB) – Daley Blind has played well up to this point, but with the top spot, De Boer can let his legs rest and play Ake, who has been played as a replacement for the last two games.
Ryan Gravenberch is a great perspective in Dutch football / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Denzel Dumfries (RWB) – One of the players in the tournament so far, Dumfries has been sensational. He is a huge threat to the Dutch right and has already scored two goals.Ryan Gravenberch (CM) – With potential rotation, we can get a better insight into the 19-year-old starlet Gravenberch – an exciting youth who could really communicate with a top performance.Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – At the heart of most of the good things that this Dutch site does, Wijnaldum is a guaranteed start.
Frenkie de Jong (CM) – Injects a happy intensity in midfield and finds it easy to dictate a match as something. A joy to watch, and can make things very difficult for Monday’s opponents.
Patrick van Aanholt (LWB) – Has so far been good on the left and seems to be full of running.
Memphis Depay is a talismanic figure for the Netherlands / Soccrates Images / Getty Images
Memphis Depay (ST) – Has not been the best Euro 2020 in terms of goals, after hitting only once (from the penalty spot) but is a huge asset on the side and will certainly represent a large part of the success they get.Donyell Malen (ST) – Wout Weghorst could get a rest, which means a potential opportunity for Malen. Came off the bench last time and was very light and helped Dumfries late to 2-0.
