5 young superstars who could break into the Netherlands national team
Netherlands have produced some of the finest and most skilled players in the game's history. Players such as Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit revolutionised the game with their flair and well-rounded style of play. They were all awarded the coveted Ballon d'Or their performances.
After the 1970s and 80s, Netherlands had their next 'Golden Generation' in the 2000s. Led in attack by Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie, the Dutch played some attractive football.
Their high was at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which the Netherlands lost to Spain, courtesy an Andres Iniesta extra-time strike. Since then, they have been in a rebuild of sorts. After reaching the 2014 World Cup semis, they missed out on the 2018 edition, but have qualified for Qatar 2022.
Netherlands have qualified for their first World Cup since 2014.
A return to the top table of world football for the Dutch. https://t.co/F609qd4UU2
Under Louis van Gaal, the Oranje will hope to reach the heights reached by some of their legends. With stalwarts like Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt in defence and exciting young talent further up the pitch, Netherlands could be the dark horses at next year's global spectacle.
On that note, here's a look at five youngsters who could break into and establish themselves as regulars in the Netherlands team before they board their flight to Qatar next year.
#5 Jurrien Timber (Ajax)
Jurrien David Norman Timber was born in Utrecht, Netherlands, in 2001, and began his youth career at DVSU. Timber then had a six-year spell at Feyenoord (2008-14) before joining Ajax's youth setup in 2018. It was there he signed his first professional contract as well.
Timber made his senior debut for Ajax in a 3-1 win over Heerenveen in 2020. His first goal for Ajax came nearly a year later in a 4-0 win over Emmen, which confirmed Ajax as the Eredivisie champions for a record 35th time.
Timber has made 21 appearances this season, scoring twice. He recently won the Eredivisie Talent of the month award.
#ForTheFuture strikes again! 🎳
@Eredivisie Talent of the Month ↬ @JurrienTimber 🏆 https://t.co/Zj36qf6HyP
Jurrien Timber made 24 appearances for Netherlands' youth teams, scoring two goals. He was selected to play for the senior Netherlands squad at UEFA Euro 2020 after he made his debut in a friendly against Scotland.
Jurrien also has a twin brother - Quinten - who plays for FC Utrecht as a midfielder. Jurrien is a versatile player on the right side of defence and the right flank. So it will be interesting to see how Louis van Gaal utilises this young talent.
#4 Brian Brobbey (RB Leipzig)
Brian Ebenezer Adjei Brobbey was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 2002. He spent most of his youth career at Ajax (2010-18). He was part of Ajax's youth side. Jong Ajax, playing for them between 2018 and 2020. Brobbey was later called up to Erik ten Hag's senior side.
He made his Eredivisie debut in 2020, scoring in a 5-2 win over Fortuna Sittard. He made his European bow in a UEFA Champions League game against Atalanta in December that year. His first European goal came in that season's Round of 16 win against Lille.
Brian Brobbey was signed by RB Leipzig in 2021 for an undisclosed fee.
Day 1⃣
Brian #Brobbey in Leipzig 🎬 https://t.co/NHnLzuSn3V
The Netherlands youth striker has been prolific throughout his career. He has scored 90 goals and provided 26 assists in 135 appearances across age groups at club level. Brobbey was exceptional at youth level as well, scoring 25 goals in 35 appearances.
The Netherlands look particularly short in the striker department, with Memphis Depay being the only striker offering a multi-dimensional style of play. Brobbey could surely be in van Gaal's plans for the future.