"Dutch players are adventurers" was Dennis Bergkamp's take on why his compatriots travel well. "We go abroad, adapt to a new culture whilst maintaining our Dutch mentality." No fewer than 13 players in Guus Hiddink's 23-man Netherlands squad – for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Turkey (March 28) and the friendly match against Spain (March 31) – are plying their trade outside of the Eredivisie.
It wasn't long ago the amount of home-based footballers in a Dutch squad could be counted on one hand. The last few years has seen a shift, with the Eredivisie once again playing a major role at international level, and one wonders what the strongest possible current domestic XI would look like. Using WhoScored’s ratings – the best performing player in each role, in a sacrosanct 4-3-3 formation – we can give a decent suggestion.
Jasper Cillessen (7.13)
If anyone expected him to rest on his laurels after last summer they were sadly mistaken. Not only is Cillessen statistically the best performing 'keeper this term, but he also remains Oranje's undisputed 'number one' (starting 18 of the Netherlands’ last 19 internationals), and the former should further solidify the latter. Even though competition for his position is great, he is a well-rounded player – good with his feet (averaging 31.8 passes per game) as well as hands (conceding just 24 goals in 27 games, and keeping 9 clean sheets).
Daan Bovenberg (7.22)
A lot is expected of the modern full-back, not only do they have to be defensively sound but often required to act as an auxiliary winger, and Excelsior's right-back – despite the club’s positioning – has to the best of his abilities done just that. In 15 appearances he's made 3.1 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 6.8 clearances per game whilst assisting 3 goals as well as scoring twice himself. Out of the 11 players to feature in this hypothetical line-up he's one of four yet to receive a cap (let alone a call-up), and unfortunately the likelihood is Hiddink will not be on the phone anytime soon. However, that doesn't diminish what has been, from a personal point-of-view, a good campaign so far.
Joël Veltman (7.59)
One of the more polarising figures in the division, you either feel here is a 'number three' par excellence, cut from the same cloth as his more illustrious predecessors, or a talent vastly overrated and lacking any redeeming qualities. The truth, as it always is, lies somewhere in the middle. He may never reach the level of Mats Hummels or Thiago Silva, but to say he's not technically gifted is borderline ignorant – especially when you consider the first requirement Frank de Boer demands of his players is to pass at speed – a key component in Ajax's build-up play (64.6 passes per game), though it's not all neat and tidy with him (2.2 tackles and 7.6 clearances per game).
Terence Kongolo (7.40)
Since making his league debut in April 2012 the Fribourg-native has been nothing short of a sensation; what makes him a special talent is the promise he exudes, unlike many of his contemporaries, he's not as flashy, more of an old-fashioned take-no-prisoners centre-back (the "last of a dying breed" according to former mentor Ronald Koeman). A defender that uses the speed of his opponents against them – 7.2 clearances and 2.4 interceptions per game – but is also capable on the front foot, making 62.6 passes per game, maintaining 87.5% pass success.
Jetro Willems (7.51)
Daley Blind's transition into a controlling midfielder has allowed Willems back into the international fold and the numbers back-up his inclusion. However, some continue to cast doubt over him – it’s easy to forget he's still only 20 – due to his swashbuckling style, ideal acting as an extra attacking outlet in breaking down a stubborn defence. Incredibly, he has created more goals (11) in the Eredivisie than any other player this season.
Marko Vejinovic (7.80)
The controller or 'number six' role is arguably the most important position in a classic Dutch system as it is the link between defensive and forward lines. Vejinovic, who is knocking on the Oranje door (also eligible for Serbia), has been one of the exemplary proponents this season, evidenced in the ease with which he moves between attack (10 goals and 7 assists from 2.3 shots and 2.2 key passes per game) and defence (3.4 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game).
Davy Klaassen (7.51)
In the last couple of games we've seen the tactical flexibility of Klaassen in full motion. Nominally a quasi-deep-lying forward as Ajax's 'number 10', he's been deployed as a holding midfielder, but he is best closer to the forward line (creating 9 goals and scoring 6) where he can demonstrate the full array of his powers. He averages 47.3 passes per game with a success rate of 82%, with impressive vision and intelligent movement.
Hakim Ziyech (7.42)
Highly thought of for a long time, with one commentator believing he could become "the Mesut Özil of the Netherlands", Ziyech has finally taken to his surroundings in Enschede. The archetypal playmaker Dutch fans love – controlling the tempo, creating space (1.3 dribbles per game) and providing for others (10 assists from 2.5 key passes per game) – he is a future international in the making. Combining individual skill with stamina, he has scored 8 goals from 3.2 shots per game. A shining light in what has been a topsy-turvy season for FC Twente.
Steven Berghuis (7.36)
AZ have gone through a lot in the last few years, but one constant this campaign has been the performances of right-sided forward Berghuis, who has been involved in 11 goals – 7 assists and 4 goals – despite only participating in 16 games (due to a metatarsal fracture which kept him out of action for three months). His name hasn't been associated with Oranje, which gives an indication of the depth of talent available to Hiddink.
Luuk de Jong (7.87)
Bas Dost isn't the only Dutch striker rejuvenated. Luuk de Jong, who too became a forgotten man, has – to be blunt – not only restarted a once-promising career in Eindhoven but reinvented himself. His figures for PSV – 15 goals and 7 assists in 26 games – earned him an international recall (with the last of his seven caps won in February 2012).
Memphis Depay (7.82)
The league's most valuable player – and certain to operate on the opposite flank to Arjen Robben (when fit), where he can cut inside and display his attacking prowess – it's been a season to remember for Memphis. He is truly one of Europe's most exciting talents, combining the classic and contemporary as a real mercurial winger. His ambidexterity, guile and electric pace – subsequently completing the second most dribbles in the Eredivisie (65) this season – have made him a defender's nightmare. Memphis also leads the race for the Golden Boot, with 17 goals from his inside forward berth.
Which of these players do you think deserves to start for the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below
