Netherlands National Team

The first ever dutch legend retrospect to the 1900s and 1910s when Bok Der Korver led the nation to finish third place in Olympic games in 1908 and 1912. Harry Denis was one of the best defenders in the World in the first half 1920s. In 1930s, Netherlands was ranked below top 15 by Elo Rating but group of stars like Puck Van Heel, Kick Smit and Beb Bakhuys were existed. In the post-war era, the famous golden tri-o was formed consists of Abe Lenstra, Faas Wilkes and Kee Rijvers with additional great defender Cor Van De Hart. Unfortunately, Netherlands did not enter 1950 and 1954 World Cup qualification.  

“Oranje Knight” Netherland in the 1970s is best known for its attractive offensive style of play"Total Football", having had all-round players in the team led by Johan Cruyff who is commonly known as the greatest European player ever surrounding by world-class players like Ruud Krol, Willem Van Hangem and Johan Neeskens. The great dutch team was benefited from the dominance of dutch club in European Cup won four titles in row between 1970 - 1973.  

In the second half 1980s, Gullit-Rijkaard-Van Basten from AC Milan formed the best tri-o in history of the game with support defender Ronald Koeman and followed by the next generation in 1990s consists of the stars from Ajax like Van Der Sar, Jaaap Stam, Dennis Bergkamp, Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert. After Ruud Van Nistelrooy shined as the best striker in the World in the mid-2000s, the group of stars in late 2000s to early 2010s comprises Rafael Van De Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie made Netherlands as one of the most dangerous front-line in the World.   

Netherlands



Location     :  Western Europe
European Championship Participation : 9 Times (1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012)
World Cup Participation :  9 Times (1934, 1938, 1974, 1978, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010)
Achievement  : 3 Times FIFA World Cup Runner-Up (1974, 1978, 2010)        
1988 European Championship Winner
Most Caps  : Wesley Sneijder  (134 Games)
Top Scorer : Robin Van Persie  (47 Goals)
The Greatest Player Ever :  Johan Cruyff






All-Time Dutch Squad


1. Edwin Van Der Sar

Date Of Birth  :  29 October 1970, Height :  197 cm        
Position : Goalkeeper, Caps  :  130 Games
Major Club   :  Ajax Amsterdam, Manchester United
World Cup Participation  :  1994, 1998, 2006 (11 Games)
Club Honours    :  3 Times Dutch Champions, 3 Times KNVB Cup
4 Time Premier League, 2 Times League Cup
1 Time  UEFA Cup , 2 Times UEFA Champion League (1995, 2008)
3 Times UEFA Champion League Runner-Up (1996, 2009, 2011)
1 Time FIFA Club World Cup, 1 Time Intercontinental Cup
International Honours    :   None
Individual Achievement  :   4 Times Dutch Goalkeeper Of The Year
1998 Dutch Golden Shoe, 2009 Barclays Golden Gloves
2 Times UEFA Club Goalkeeper Of The Year (1995, 2009)
                                                    2 Times Third Place IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (1998, 2008)
                                                    Class  :  Queen Silver

2. Ruud Krol

Date Of Birth  : 24 March 1949
Position  :  Left-Back/ Sweeper, Height : 184 cm
Major Club  :  Ajax Amsterdam, Napoli, Caps : 83 Games
World Cup Participation  :  1974, 1978 (14 Games)
Club Honours : 6 Times Dutch Champions, 4 Times Dutch Cup
3 Times European Cup (1971,1972,1973), 1972 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours :2 Times FIFA World Cup Runner-Up(1974,1978)
Individual Achievement  :  1976 UEFA Euro Best XI
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1974, 1978)
1979 Bronze Ball European Footballer Of The Year
1981 Guerin Italian Series A Footballer Of The Year
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1978, 1979)
Class   :  Queen Gold

3. Jaap Stam

Date Of Birth  : 17 July 1972
Position : Center-Back, Height  : 191 cm
Major Club  : Manchester United, Caps : 67 Games
World Cup Participation  :  1998 (7 Games)
Club Honours  :  3 Times English Premier League
1 Time Dutch Champion, 2 Times Dutch Cup
1 Time Copa Italia, 1 Time FA Cup, 1999 UEFA Champion League
International Honours    :   None
Individual Achievement  :   1997 Dutch Footballer Of The Year
2 Times UEFA Champion League Best Defender (1999, 2000)
3 Times PFA Team Of The Year (1999, 2000, 2001)
1999 European Defender of The Year
Class  :  Queen Bronze


4. Ronald Koeman

Date Of Birth  : 21 March 1963
Position  :  Sweeper, Height : 183 cm
Major Club :  Barcelona, Caps   : 78 Games (14 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   1990, 1994 (9 Games)
Club Honours  :  4 Times Spanish La Liga, 1 Time Spanish Cup
4 Times Dutch Champions, 3 Times Dutch Cup
2 Times European Cup (1988, 1992)
International Honours  :  1988 UEFA Euro Winners
Individual Achievement  :  1988 UEFA Euro Best XI
1994 European Cup Top Scorer    
2 Times Dutch Footballer Of The Year (1987, 1988)
2 Times European Defender of The Year (1988, 1992)
Class   : Queen Silver


5. Virgil Van Dijk

Date Of Birth : 8 July 1991
Position : Center-Back, Height : 193 cm
Major Club : Celtic, Liverpool, Caps : 54 Games
World Cup Participation : 2022
Club Honours : 1 Time Premier League
2 Times Scottish League, 1 Time FA Cup
2019 UEFA Champion League, 2018 and 2022 Runner-Up
2019 FIFA Club World Cup
International Honours : None
Individual Achievement : 2019 PFA Player of The Year
2019 Premier League Player of the Season
2019 UEFA Defender of the Season
2019 UEFA Nation League Best XI
2019 UEFA Men Player of The Year
                                                            2019 Silverball Ballon'Dor
                                                            2019 Silver Ball FIFA Best Men Player of the Year
                                                            2 Times World Defender of The Year (2019, 2022)
                                                          IFFHS World Team of The Decade - 2010s
                                                           Class : Queen Bronze

6. Frank Rijkaard

Date Of Birth  :  30 September 1962, Height :  190 cm
Position :  Defensive Holding Midfielder/ Center-Back
Major Club  :  AC Milan, Ajax Amsterdam
Caps   :  73 Games (10 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   1990, 1994 (8 Games)
Club Honours  :   5 Times Eredivisie, 3 Times Dutch Cups
2 Times Italian Series A, 1987 UEFA Cup Winners Cup
3 Times European Cup (1989, 1990, 1995), 1993 Runner-Up
2 Times Intercontinental Cup (1989, 1990)
International Honours : 1988 European Championship Winners
Individual Achievement :  2 Times Dutch Golden Shoe (1985, 1987)
2 Times Bronze Ball Ballon'Dor (1988, 1989), 1988 UEFA Euro Best XI
1992 Guerin Italian Series A Footballer Of The Year
                                                     Class   :  Queen Gold

7. Johan Neeskens

Date Of Birth  :  15 September 1951
Position :  Box-To-Box Midfielder, Height : 172  cm
Major Club : Ajax, Barcelona, Caps : 49 Games (17 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :  1974, 1978 (12 Games)
Club Honours  :  3 Times Dutch Champions
 2 Times Dutch Cup, 1 Time Copa De Rey
1979 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, 1972 Intercontinental Cup 
3 Times European Cup (1971, 1972, 1973)    
International Honours  : 2 Times FIFA World Cup Runner-Up (1974,1978)  
Individual Achievement  :  1974 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team
1976 Best Spanish League Foreign Player
Class  :   Queen Silver


8. Ruud Gullit

Date Of Birth  :   1 September 1962
Height : 186 cm, Position : Attacking Midfielder
Major Club : AC Milan, Caps : 66 Games (17 Goals)
Professional Score Record  : 219 Goals/ 542 Games
World Cup Participation  : 1990 (4 Games)
Club Honours :   3 Times Dutch Champions, 1 Time Dutch Cup
3 Times Italian Series A, 1 Time Copa Italia        
2 Times European Cup Winners (1989, 1990), 1993 Runner-Up
International Honours : 1988 European Championship Winner
Individual Achievement : 2 Times UEFA Euro Best XI (1988, 1992)
2 Times Dutch Footballer of The Year (1984,1986)
1986 Dutch Golden Shoe , 1987 Dutch Sportsman of The Year
Ballon'Dor : 1987 Golden Ball, 1988 Silver Ball
                2 Times World Soccer Player of The Year (1987, 1989)
        1993 Bronze Ball World Soccer Player of The Year
Class :  King Bronze

9. Marco Van Basten

Date Of Birth  :  31 October 1964
Position  :  Target Striker, Height : 188 cm
Major Club  : AC Milan, Caps : 58 Games (24 Goals)
World Cup Participation :  1966 (4 Games and No Goal)
Professional Score Record  : 277 Goals/ 370 Games
Club Honours :  3 Times Dutch League, 3 Times Dutch Cup
3 Times Italian Series A, 1987 European Cup Winners’ Cup
2 Times European Cup and Intercontinental Cup (1989, 1990)
International Honours  :  1988 European Championship Winner
Individual Achievement : 4 Times Dutch League Top Scorer
2 Times Italian Series A Top Scorer (1990, 1992), 1987 Bravo Award
1985 Dutch Footballer of The Year, 1989 European Cup Top Scorer
1986 European Golden Boot, World League Top Scorer                             
                                                 1988 UEFA Euro Top Scorer - Best Player
World Soccer Player of The Year : 2 Times Golden Ball (1988, 1992), 1989 Silver Ball, 1987 Bronze Ball
3 Times Ballon'Dor (1988, 1989, 1992), 1992 FIFA World Player of The Year
2 Times IFFHS World Best Player of the Year (1988, 1989)
Class  :   King Bronze

10. Johan Cruyff

Date Of Birth  :  25 April 1947, Height : 180 cm
Position  :  Attacking Midfielder/Deep-Lying Forward/Side Forward
Major Club : Ajax, Barcelona, Caps : 48 Games (33 Goals)
Professional Score Record  :  371 Goals/ 663 Games
World Cup Participation :  1974 (7 Games - 3 goals)
Club Honours  :  9 Times Dutch Champions
1 Time Spanish La Liga, 1 Time Copa Del Rey
6 Times Dutch Cup, 1969 European Cup Runner-Up
3 Times European Cup (1971,1972,1973), 1972 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours  :  1974 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 1984 Dutch Golden Shoe
2 Times Dutch Footballer of the Year (1968, 1972)
2 Times Dutch Sportsman of the Year (1973, 1974)
3 Times Ballon'Dor (1971,1973,1974), 1975 Bronze Ball
1974 FIFA World Cup Best Player 
1977 Spanish La Liga Player of The Year, 1978 Best Foreigner
1998 FIFA World Team of The Century, 1999 IFFHS Netherlands Player of The Century
1999 Silver Ball IFFHS World Player of The Century, IFFHS European Player of The Century
1999 Bronze Ball France Football and World Soccer’s Football Player of The Century
Ajax Amsterdam All-Time Top Scorer - Greatest Player Ever
Eredivisie Greatest Player Ever, UEFA Jubilee Awards (Netherlands)
Class : King Gold


11. Dennis Bergkamp

Date Of Birth   :  10 May 1969
Height   :  184 cm, Position :  Creative Forward
Major Club  : Arsenal, Ajax, Caps :  79 Games (37 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :  1994, 1998 (12 Games/ 6 Goals)
Professional Score Record  :  264 Goals/ 727 Games
Club Honours  :  1 Time Dutch League, 2 Times Dutch Cup
3 Times English Premier League, 4 Times FA Cup
1987 UEFA Cup Winners Cup, 2 Times UEFA Cup (1992, 1994)
2006 UEFA Champion League Runner-Up
International Honours  :  None
Individual Achievement : 1992 UEFA Euro Best XI
1990 Dutch Talent of The Year, 3 Times Dutch League Top Scorer
2 Times Dutch Player of The Year (1992,1993)
3 Times Silver Ball World Soccer Player of The Year (1992,1993,1997), 1994 UEFA Cup Top Scorer
1992 Bronze Ball,1993 Silver Ball Ballon'Dor, 2 Times Bronze Ball FIFA World Player of The Year (1993,1997)
1998 PFA Player’s Player of The Year, FWA Footballer of The Year, 1998 FIFA World Cup All Star Team
Class : Queen Silver
_________________________________________________

Substitution 


12. Hans Van Breukelen

Date Of Birth   :  4 October 1956
Position : Goalkeeper, Height :  179 cm
Major Club  :  PSV Eindhoven, Caps. : 73 Games
World Cup Participation: 1990 (4 Games)
Club Honours  :  6 Times Dutch Champions
3 Times Dutch Cupม 1988 European Cup
International Honours  : 1988 European Championship Winner
Individual Achievement : 4 Times Dutch Goalkeeper Of The Year
1988 European Championship Best Goalkeeper
1988 2nd Place, 1992 Third Place IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper
1999 IFFHS Netherlands Goalkeeper of The Century
Class  :  Queen Bronze

13. Harry Denis

Date Of Birth  :  28 August 1896
Position : Right-Back, Height  : Unknown
Major Club :  HBS, Caps :  56 Games
Olympic Games Participation  :  1920, 1924, 1928
Club Honours : 1 Time Dutch Football Championship
International Honours    :   None
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class   :  Prince Silver




14. Cor Van De Hart

Date Of Birth  :  25 January 1928
Position  :  Center-Back
Height  :  176  cm
Major Club    :  Lille, Fortuna Sittard
Caps  :  44 Games
World Cup Participation  :   None
Club Honours    :   1 Time French League
2 Times French Cup, 1 Time Dutch Cup
International Honours    :   None            
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class   :  Prince Gold



15. Willem Van Hanegem

Date Of Birth  :  20 February 1944
Position :  Box-To-Box Midfielder, Height : 178 cm
Major Club :  Feyenoord Rotterdam, Caps : 52 Games
World Cup Participation  :   1974 (7 Games)
Club Honours    :   3 Times Dutch Champions
2 Times Dutch Cup, 1974 UEFA Cup
1970 European Cup, 1970 Intercontinental Cup  
International Honours    :   1974 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up                      
Individual Achievement  : 1971 Dutch Footballer of the Year   
Feyenoord Greatest Player Ever
Class  :   Queen Gold


16. Edgar Davids

Date Of Birth  :  13 March 1973
Height : 170  cm, Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Major Club  :  Juventus, Caps   :   74 Games
World Cup Participation  :   1998 (6 Games)
Club Honours  :  3 Times Dutch Champions, 2 Times Dutch Cup
3 Times Italian Series A, 1 Time Copa Italia
1992 UEFA Cup, 1995 Intercontinental Cup 
1995 UEFA Champion League, 3 Times Runner-Up (1996,1998,2003)  
International Honours   :   None             
Individual Achievement :  1998 FIFA World Cup All Star Team
2000 European Championship Team Of Tournament
Class    :   Queen Bronze

17. Westley Sneijder

Date Of Birth  :  9 June 1984
Position : Playmaker, Height : 171 cm
Major Club : Inter Milan, Caps : 117 Games (28 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   2006, 2010, 2014 (17 Games)
Club Honours  :  1 Time Dutch Champion
1 Time Spanish La Liga, 1 Time Italian Series A
2 Times Dutch Cup, 1 Time Copa Italia
2010 UEFA Champion League
International Honours :  2010 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement  :  2008 UEFA Euro Best XI
2010 UEFA Champion League Best Midfielder
2010 FIFA World Cup Top Scorer - Silver Ball 
Class :   Prince Gold

18. Arjen Robben

Date Of Birth  :  23 January 1984
Position :  Left and Right-Winger, Height : 183 cm
Major Club : Bayern Munich, Caps : 91 Games (32 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   2006, 2010, 2014 (16 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Dutch League
2 Times English Premier League, 1 Time FA Cup
1 Time Spanish La Liga, 2 Times English League Cup
6 Times Bundesliga, 4 Times DFB-Pokal 
2013 UEFA Champion League , 2 Times Runner-Up (2010, 2012)
International Honours :   2010 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement :   2005 Bravo Award
2010 German Footballer of The Year
2013 -2014 Bronze Ball UEFA Best Player in Europe
                                                     2014 FIFA World Cup Bronze Ball
                                                     2014 Dutch Sportsman of the Year
                                                      Class :  Queen Silver

19. Rob Rensenbrink

Date Of Birth  :  3 July 1947
Position : Left-Side Forward, Height : 178 cm
Major Club  :  Anderlecht, Caps :  46 Games (14 Goals)
Professional Score Record  : 275 Goals/ 571 Games
World Cup Participation  :   1974, 1978 (13 Games with 6 goals)
Club Honours  :  2 Times Belgian League, 5 Times Belgian Cup
2 Times UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1976, 1978)
International Honours : 2 Times FIFA World Cup Runner-Up (74,78)
Individual Achievement  : 1973 Belgian League Top Scorer
1976 Belgian Golden Shoe, Cup Winners' Cup All-Time Top Scorer
1976 Silver Ball, 1978 Bronze Ball Ballon'Dor                   
1976 Cup Winners Cup Top Scorer    
2 Times FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1974, 1978)
                                                      Class : Queen Bronze

20. Faas Wilkes

Date Of Birth  : 13 October 1923
Position :  Right-Side Forward
Height  :  183 cm
Major Club  :  Inter Milan
Caps  :  38 Games (35 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :  None
Professional Score Record  :  162 Goals/ 355 Games
Club Honours   :  None
International Honours   :   None
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class  :  Queen Bronze


21. Abe Lenstra

Date Of Birth  :  27 November 1920
Position  :  Forward, Height : 170 cm
Major Club :  Heerenveen, Caps : 47 Games (33 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   None
Amateur Scores Record :  700 Goals/ 730 Games
Club Honours, International Honours    :   None            
Individual Achievement : 
2 Times Dutch Sport Personality of The Year (1951, 1952)
Class    :   Queen Silver



22. Ruud Van Nistelrooy

Date Of Birth  :  1 July 1976
Height : 189 cm, Position : Target Striker
Major Club :  Manchester United, Caps : 64 Games (33 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :  2006 (3 Games / 1 Goal)
Professional Score Record  :  325 Goals/ 514 Games
Club Honours :  2 Times Dutch League, 2 Times Spanish La liga
1 Time English Premier League, 1 Time FA Cup, 1 Time League Cup
International Honours   :  None
Individual Achievement   : 2 Times Dutch League Top Scorer
1 Time English Premier League, Spanish La Liga Top Scorer 
2 Times Dutch Player of The Year (1999, 2000)
1 Time UEFA Champion League Top Scorer
2002 PFA Player’s Player of The Year
                                                      2003 UEFA Champion League Best Forward
                                                      Class  :  Queen Silver


_________________________________________________

Manager


Rinus Michels


Year Of Birth :  9 February 1928
Major Team :  Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands
Major Achievement : 4 Times Dutch League, 
1 Time Spanish La Liga
3 Times Dutch Cup, 1 Time Copa Del Rey, 1 Time DFB Pokal
1971 European Cup Winners, 1969 European Cup Runner-Up
1974 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
1988 European Championship Winners
Individual Achievement : 1988 officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau
1988 World Soccer Manager of The Year
1999 Dutch Manager of The Century
2002 Knight of The KNVB:        
2002 UEFA Lifetime Award
Style : Attacking Total Football
Class   :  King Gold

Conclusion of Squad

GK :Edwin Van Der Sar, Hans Van Breukelen
DF : Cor Van De Hart, Ruud Krol, Virgil Van Dijk, Jaap Stam, Ronald Koeman, Harry Denis
MF : Frank Rijkaard, Willem Van Hanegem, Edgar Davids, Westley Sneijder, Johan Neeskens, Ruud Gullit
FW : Johan Cruyff (Captain), Faas Wilkes, Arjen Robben, Rob Rensenbrink, Dennis Bergkamp, Abe Lenstra, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Marco Van Basten
Manager : Rinus Michels




Formation XI  (4-3-1-2)









Explanation of Formation

Formation is base on total football style of play. Van Der Sar easily stands as a first choice. Krol will support attacking game in the side of field regularly due to none of natural winger. Stam is applied from center-back to right-back to pack defensive coverage, is qualified by his speed and he used to play this role at AC Milam. Koeman is creative sweeper would form the game from the back-line, and could be expectably score goals when team get free-kick in the long-range. Rijkaard played in front of him as stopper in which he successfully did in Euro 88 and would also support in opening game from his accurate passing. Neeskens would tenaciously run as box-to-box midfielder in the central midfield area. Gullit's all-round ability would create many benefits to the team as right-attacking midfielder. Cruyff sometimes would go left as a winger or go straight to second striker. Bergkamp would act as a support striker to Van Basten is the main scorer of the team but also withdrawn to deeper area to open any attackers to get through from line to line.


Amsterdam Arena



Opened: 1996
City  : Amsterdam
Capacity :  51,628 Seats
Field Dimension : 105x68m  











Statistics

By Decades
By Class
By Club
1920s : 1
1950s : 1
1960s : 0
1970s : 6
1980s : 3
1990s : 5
2000s : 5

2010s : 1

King : 5
Queen : 14
Prince : 3

Ajax Amsterdam : 13
PSV Eindhoven : 6
Feyenoord Rotterdam : 1




Positional Ranking of Substitution 

Goalkeeper


1. Jan Van Beveren

Date Of Birth  :  5 March 1948
Height  : 188 cm
Major Club  :  PSV Eindhoven
Caps   :  32 Games
World Cup Participation  :   None
Club Honours    :   3 Times Dutch Champion
2 Times Dutch Cup
1978 UEFA Cup
International Honours  :   None
Individual Achievement : 1980 Dutch Footballer of the Year
Class :  Queen Bronze



2. Eddy Peters Graafland

Date Of Birth : 5 January 1934
Height :   186 cm
Major Club : Feyenoord
Caps : 47 Games
World Cup Participation :  None
Club Honours :  4 Times Eredivisie
2 Times Dutch Cup
1970 European Cuo
International Honours :   None
Individual Achievement : None
Class : Prince Silver




Defender



1. Frank De Boer

Date Of Birth  :  15 May 1970
Position  : Center-Back/ Left-Back, Height : 180 cm
Major Club :  Ajax, Barcelona, Caps :  112 Games
World Cup Participation  :  1998, 2002 (11 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Spanish La liga
 5 Times Dutch League, 3 Times Dutch Cup
1995 UEFA Champion League, 1995 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours   :  None
Individual Achievement   :  1998 FIFA World Cup All Star Team
2000 European Championship Team of The Tournament
Class   :   Prince Gold
2. Rinus Israel

Date Of Birth : 19 March 1942
Position : Center-Back, Height : 179 cm
Major Club : Feyenoord, Zwolle, Caps : 47 Games
World Cup Participation : 1974 (3 Games)
Club Honours : 4 Times Dutch League, 1 Time Dutch Cup
1970 European Cup, 1970 Intercontinental Cup
1974 UEFA Cup
International Honours : 1974 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 2 Times Dutch Footballer of the Year (70,75)
Class : Prince Silver


3. Bok De Korver

Date Of Birth : 27 January 1883, Height : 176 cm
Position : Center-Back
Major Club : Sparta Rotterdam, Caps :  31 Games
Olympic Games Participation : 1908, 1912
Club Honours  : 5 Times Dutch Championship
International Honours : 
2 Times Olympic Games Bronze Ball (1908, 1912)
Individual Achievement  : Sparta Rotterdam’s Greatest Player Ever
Class : Prince Silver







Central Midfielder

1. Clarene Seedorf

Date Of Birth: 1 April 1976, Height : 176 cm
Position  : Central Holding Midfielder
Major Club : AC Milan, Caps : 87 Games
World Cup Participation : 1990 (4 Games)
Club Honours  : 2 Times Eredivisie, 1 Time Dutch Cup
3 Times ltalan Series A, 1 Time Spanish La Liga
4 Times UEFA Champion League (95,98,04,07), 05 Runner-Up
1996 Intercontinental Cup, 2001 FIFA Club World Cup
International Honours  :  None
Individual Achievement : 2007 UEFA Champion League Best Midfielder
2 Times Dutch Football Talent Of The Year (1994, 1998)
Class   :   Queen Bronze



2. Arie Haan


Date Of Birth  :  16 November 1948, Height : 175 cm
Position : Box-To-Box Midfielder
Major Club  :  Ajax, Anderletch, Caps  :  35 Games
World Cup Participation  :   1974, 1978 (13 Games)
Club Honours  :  3 Times Dutch Champion, 3 Times Dutch Cup
3 Times Belgian League, 1 Time Belgian Cup
2 Times UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1976, 1978)
2 Times European Cup (1971, 1972, 1973)
International Honours    :   
2 Times FIFA World Cup Runner-Up (1974, 1978)
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class : Prince Gold


3. Puck Van Heel

Date Of Birth  :  21 January 1904
Height :  180 cm
Position  :  Central Holding Midfielder
Major Club  :  Feyenoord, Caps :  64 Games
World Cup Participation  :   None
Club Honours   :   5 Times Dutch Champion
3 Times Dutch Cup
International Honours :    None
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class : Prince Gold


5. Willy Van De Kherkof


Date Of Birth  :  16 September 1951
Position  : Box-To-Box Midfielder, Height :  182 cm
Major Club :  PSV, Caps :  63 Games
World Cup Participation  :   1974, 1978 ( Games)
Club Honours  :  6 Times Dutch League, 3 Times Dutch Cup
1978 UEFA Cup, 1988 European Cup
International Honours :  1988 European Championship Winner
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class : Prince Silver




6. Aron Winter

Date Of Birth  :  1 March 1967
Position :  Defensive Holding Midfielder, Height :  180 cm
Major Club :  Ajax, Lazio, Inter Milan, Caps :  84 Games
World Cup Participation  : 1990, 1994, 1998 ( Games)
Club Honours : 2 Times Dutch League, 2 Times Dutch Cup
1987 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
2 Times UEFA Cup (1992, 1988)
International Honours    :    1988 European Championship Winner
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class : Prince Silver


7. Wim Jansen

Date Of Birth : 28 October 1946, Height :  177 cm
Position : Defensive Holding Midfielder/ Sweeper
Major Club : Feyenoord, Caps : 65 Games
World Cup Participation : 1974 (14 Games)
Club Honours : 4 Times Dutch League, 1 Time Dutch Cup
1970 European Cup, 1970 Intercontinental Cup
1974 UEFA Cup
International Honours : 2 Times FIFA World Cup Runner-Up (1974, 1978)
Individual Achievement : None
Class : Prince Silver





Offensive Lateral

1. Piet Kaizer

Date Of Birth  :  14 June 1943
Position : Left-Winger, Height : 175 cm
Major Club :  Ajax, Caps :  34 Games (11 Goals)
World Cup Participation  : 1974 (1 Game)
Club Honours : 6 Times Dutch League, 5 Times Dutch Cup
3 Times European Cup (1971, 1972, 1973)
1969 European Cup Runner-Up
International Honours    :   1974 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class : Queen Bronze



2. Coen Moulijin

Date Of Birth  :  15 February 1937
Position  : Left-Winger, Height   :  178 cm
Major Club  :  Feyenoord, Caps  :   38 Games
World Cup Participation  :   None
Club Honours : 5 Times Dutch League, 2 Times Dutch Cup
1970 European Cup, 1970 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours    :   None
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class : Prince Gold




3. Marc Overmars

Date Of Birth  :  29 March 1973
Position : Left-Winger, Height :  173 cm
Major Club  :  Ajax, Arsenal, Barcelona
Caps :  86 Games (17 Goals)
World Cup Participation : 1994, 1998 (11 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Dutch League, 1 Time Dutch Cup
1 Time English Premier League, 1 Time FA Cup
1995 European Cup, 1995 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours  : None
Individual Achievement  : 1993 Dutch Golden Shoe
1992 Dutch Talent Footballer of The Year
1994 FIFA World Cup Best Young Player
Class : Prince Silver


4. Johnny Rep

Date Of Birth  :  25 November 1951
Position  : Right-Winger, Height : 180 cm
Major Club : Ajax, Saint Etienne
Caps : 42 Games (12 Goals)
World Cup Participation : 1974, 1978 (14 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Dutch League, 1 Time French League
1973 European Cup, Intercontinental Cup
International Honours : 2 Times World Cup Runner-Up (1974,1978)
Individual Achievemen t: 
1978 French League Foreign Player of The Year
Class :  Prince Silver


5. Sjaak Swart

Date Of Birth  : 3 July 1938
Position  :  Right-Winger, Height  : 180 cm
Major Club :  Ajax , Caps :  31 Games (10 Goals)    
World Cup Participation  :   None
Club Honours : 8 Time Dutch League, 5 Times Dutch Cup
3 Times European Cup (1971,1972,1973), 1972 Runner-Up
1972 Intercontinental Cup
International Honours    :   None
Individual Achievement  :  None
Class :  Prince Silver





6. Rene Van de Kherkof

Date Of Birth  :  16 September 1951
Position  : Right-Winger, Height : 181 cm
Major Club : PSV
Caps : 47 Games (5 Goals)
World Cup Participation : 1974, 1978 (14 Games)
Club Honours : 3 Times Dutch League
2 Times KNVB Cup
International Honours : 2 Times World Cup Runner-Up (1974,1978)
Individual Achievement : None
Class :  Prince Silver





Offensive Midfielder

1. Kees Rijvers


Date Of Birth  : 27 May 1926
Position : Playmaker
Height   : 165 cm
Major Club  :  NAC Breda, Saint Etienne
Caps :  33 Games (10 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   None
Club Honours :   1 Time French League
1 Time French Cup
International Honours    :    None
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class : Prince Silver


2. Willy Van De Kuijlen

Date Of Birth  :  6 December 1946
Position :  Attacking Midfielder, Height : 178 cm
Major Club :  PSV Eindhoven
Caps : 22 Games (7 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   None
Professional Scores Record :  311 Goals/ 572 Games
Club Honours :  3 Times Dutch League
2 Times Dutch Cup, 1978 UEFA Cup
International Honours    :   None            
Individual Achievement  :   3 Times Dutch League Top Scorer
PSV - Dutch League - Dutch Cup All-Time Top Scorer
1975 Cup Winners Cup Top Scorer    
Class    :   Prince Silver



Forward

1. Robin Van Persie

Date Of Birth  :  6 August 1983
Position :  Side-Forward, Height  : 188 cm
Major Club  :  Feyernoord, Arsenal, Man Utd
Caps  :  99 Games (49 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   2006, 2010, 2014 (16 Games)
Club Honours : 1 Time Premier League, 1 Time FA Cup
2002 UEFA Cup, 2006 UEFA Champion League Runner-Up
International Honours  : 2010 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up
Individual Achievement : 2006 Rotterdam Sportsman of the Year
2012 FWA Footballer of The Year
2012 PFA Players' Player of The Year
2014 FIFA World Cup Qualification Top Scorer
Netherlands All-Time Top Scorer
                                                 Class    :   Prince Gold

2. Kick Smit

Date Of Birth : 3 November 1911
Position :  Forward, Height  :   182 cm
Major Club  :  Haarlem
Caps :  29 Games (26 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   1934, 1938 (4 Games / 2 Goals )
Professional Scores Record :  Unknown
Club Honours :  None
International Honours    :   None            
Individual Achievement  :   None
Class    :   Prince Silver
3. Ruud Geels

Date Of Birth  : 28 July 1948
Position  :  Forward, Height  :  177 cm
Major Club :  Feyenoord, Ajax Amsterdam
Caps :  20 Games (11 Goals)
World Cup Participation  : 1974 (No Game)
Professional Scores Record :  388 Goals / 570 Games
Club Honours : 2 Times Dutch League
1 Time Belgian League, 1 Time Dutch Cup
1970 European Cup
International Honours    :   None           
Individual Achievement: 2 Times Dutch Players of the Year (76,77)
Eredivisie All-Time Most Top Scorers (5 Times)
Class  :   Prince Silver



Striker

1. Patrick Kluivert

Date Of Birth  :  1 July 1976
Position : Target Striker, Height  :  190 cm
Major Club  :  Barcelona, Caps : 79 Games (40 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :  2006 (4 Games with 2 Goals)
Professional Score Record  :  200 Goals/ 467 Games
Club Honours  :  3 Times Dutch League
1 Time Spanish La liga
1995 UEFA Champion League
International Honours     :  None
Individual Achievement   :  1995 Bravo Award
2000 UEFA Euro Top Scorer - Best XI
Class   :  Prince Silver



2. Coen Dillen

Date Of Birth  : 5 October 1926
Position :  Target Striker, Height :  180 cm
Major Club :  PSV Eindhoven, Caps : 5 Games (4 Goals)
World Cup Participation  :   None
Amateur Scores Record :  287 Goals/ 328 Games
Club Honours : 1 Time Dutch Champion, 1 Time Dutch Cup
International Honours  :  None            
Individual Achievement  :  1 Time Dutch League Top Scorer
1957 European League Top Scorer
1957 World League Top Scorer
Eredivisie All-Time Highest Scorer in a Single Season
Class    :   Prince Silver




Table of Positional Ranking
Please find in Benelux Union



The Greatest Ducth Players of the Era

10s : Bok De Korver (1st Half)
20s : Harry Denis (1st Half), Puck Van Heel (2nd Half)
30s : Beb Bakhuys (1st Half), Kick Smit (2nd Half)
40s : Fass Wilkes (2nd Half)
50s : Abe Lenstra (1st Half), Cor Van De Hart (2nd Half)
60s : Coen Moulijn (1st Half), Johan Cruyff (2nd Half)
70s : Johan Cruyff (1st Half), Ruud Krol (2nd Half)
80s : Ruud Krol (1st Half), Marco Van Basten (2nd Half)
90s : Dennis Bergkamp
00s : Ruud Van Nistelrooy (1st Half), Wesley Sneijder (2nd Half)
10s : Arjen Robben (1st Half), Virgil Van Dijk (2nd Half)



The Greatest Dutch Footballers of All-Time
1. Johan Cruyff
2. Ruud Gullit
3. Marco Van Basten
4. Frank Rijkaard
5. Ruud Krol
6. Johan Neeskens
7. Willem Van Hanegem
8. Dennis Bergkamp
9. Ronald Koeman
10. Edwin Van Der Sar     
11. Arjen Robben
12. Ruud Van Nistelrooy
13. Rob Rensenbrink
14. Piet Keizer  
15. Edgar Davids
16. Clarence Seedorf
17. Faas Wilkes
18. Abe Lenstra
19. Wesley Sneijder 
20. Coen Moulijn

53 comments:

  1. Anonymous16/8/14

    Robin Van Persie is the top scorer with 47 goals

    ReplyDelete
  2. Richard Wischteg?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ronald SPELBOS?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous6/10/15

    Guy this is belgian not dutch

    ReplyDelete
  5. puck van heel was offensive midfielder
    aron winter was box to box
    ruud geels won 3 dutch leagues
    arjen robben is not queen bronze
    keeS rijvers has names ending with "s"
    i'd suggest a general spelling check

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, mate

      So I understand you can confirm Puck van Heel's primary position inside-left and wing-half is his secondary position with a short time ? I'm doubtful since he score no goal despite participating more than 60 games for Holland or he is offensive midfielder in only club career ?
      Thanks for other correct notification.

      Delete
    2. he was primarily a classic play-maker, you could always find him open to pass to, as he moved towards the ball instead of forward.
      his partners in midfield were jaap and bas paauwe, who scored even less than van heel.
      van heel has one of the worst nt records in dutch history: 27 won 12 drawn and 25 lost. so, speculating, he was possibly played out of position by bob glendenning or he didn't have the right mentality for nt games.

      to conclude, at club level, where he reached legendary status he was the most forward of the 3 midfielders. at nt level, where he played with nr 6 and was also captain, he was more of a wing-half.
      i'd remember him as a classic playmaker and slot him in the attacking midfield category with arnold muhren but central midfield isn't wrong either to be honest.

      Delete
    3. Now it is depend on his defensive quality to categorize his position. Do you have any info about his defensive ability ?

      Delete
  6. Anonymous25/2/16

    adds for profile:
    Cruyff - 2 Times Dutch footballer of the Year (1968, 1972) plus "Gouden Schoen" (1984).
    Moulijn - 2 Times Dutch footballer of the Year (1964, 1965).
    Israel - 2 Times Dutch footballer of the Year (1970, 1975).
    van Hanegem - 1 Time Dutch footballer of the Year (1971).

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous12/3/16

    Additions for "Positional Ranking of Dutch Footballers":

    GK - Adrie Van Male, Gejus van der Meulen, Harry Denis, Eddi Treytel.
    DF - Wim Anderiesen, Johnny Metgod, Frans Thijssen.
    MF - Jan de Natris, Ben Müller
    FW - Leen Vente, Piet van der Kuil, Cor van der Gijp, Wim Volkers, Wim Kieft, Kees Kist, Piet Kruiver, Kees Pijl.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13/3/16

      adds for profile:
      Van Beveren - 1 Time Dutch footballer of the Year (1980).
      Geels - 2 Times Dutch footballer of the Year (1976, 1977).
      Cruyff - 2 Times Dutch sportsman of the Year (1973, 1974), 2 Times best NASL footballer (1979, 1980).

      Delete
    2. OK, thanks, already revised.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous19/3/16

      You forgot "Dutch Footballer of the Year" for Mouleijn (64, 65), Cruijff (68, 72), Israel (70, 75) and van Hanegem (71).

      Delete
  8. Anonymous2/8/16

    Why don't you put Robben at right-wing forward?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I see Robben should have been surpassed Wilkes for a long time. Thanks for notifying but I probably select Bergkamp as a first starter. Let see an update.

      Delete
    2. Oh I see Robben should have been surpassed Wilkes for a long time. Thanks for notifying but I probably select Bergkamp as a first starter. Let see an update.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous26/9/16

    Cor Van De Hart is wrong spell he's right name is Cor van der Hart

    ReplyDelete
  10. great job Naratorn see you put Bergkamp the first very good team, but make a correction the largest Bergkamp team is Ajax and Arsenal, the Sneijder Ajax and Inter Milan and Robben is PSV and Bayer Munich.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree for Bergkamp but Robben and Sneijder did much more little in his homeland than aboard career.

      Delete
  11. Ok Naratorn but you must add Sneijder at Inter Milan and Robben in Bayer Munich

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gejus van der Meulen AND Just GÖBEL Could enter the rankingof goalkeepers.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Phillip Cocu and especially Jan Wouters should be in the reserves, Wouters best defensive midfielder of the 80's after Rijkaard.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Harry Dennis has to be Suurbier's immediate reserve on squad.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous30/3/18

    great work naratorn
    just one question
    why has gullit King Bronze although he is the second best dutch player
    and before van basten who has King SILVER

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't update either of them. Let me take some time to review.

      Delete
  16. Kevin Sheedy? Irish left-winger, legend for Everton. Won the First Division twice and got to the quarter-finals of WC 1990.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Sheedy_(Irish_footballer)
    http://www.dixies60.com/top-sixty-everton-players/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He is rated at 21th best Everton player ever, not very high place but at least his profile is better than Steve Heighway in league (won 2 times PFA team of the year while Heighway never). I still prefer Heighway who was successful in European Cup.

      Delete
  17. Anonymous17/7/18

    Piet Keizer Queen Bronze above Moulijn Queen Silver?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous15/8/18

    Just a heads up, there's no country in the world called 'Holland' it's called 'Netherlands'. Holland is a province in the country of Netherlands.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh really, my country called it as Holland.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous25/8/18

      Yes that's the Same for many languages, but you have this site on English, and all the country names in English, and the official name in English is Netherlands, not Holland. You can look it up if you want. Holland is a province in Netherlands. There are even admins on Wikipedia going after edits where people write Holland instead of Netherlands, it's that big of a problem.

      Delete
  19. Anonymous23/1/19

    Is Ruud Gullit worth of King Silver?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. King Bronze is even debatable but I think he is deserved for his completion of abilities set.

      Delete
  20. narathorn
    your site is awesome!
    could you review the profil of seedorf who has only prince gold although he is in positional ranking higher rated than Queen Bronze players like Rui Costa and antognoni?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OK I think he should have been Queen Bronze.

      Delete
  21. Anonymous14/3/19

    virgil van dijk?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12/5/19

      Lol he had only one world class season in his career at Liverpool just now. Not at all worthy of a mention here yet in my opinion.

      Delete
  22. Hi! This is valuable football movie.
    Netherland football league Championship match Highlight Scene 96/97.
    Famous player Jonkand Nilis.
    https://youtu.be/mypxhTigwF4

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous26/8/20

    Where is Suurbier?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. His pure defensive ability is below average.

      Delete
  24. Anonymous16/11/21

    Wesley Sneijder has most caps(134)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anonymous5/7/22

    Makaay ?

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous12/1/23

    Suurbier must be in the reserve list. No matter his defensive skills, greatness is not only a matter of skills. I wish you could add it. Could you please reconsider ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous28/1/23

      This is also one of the remarks I would do on the site Suurbier is underrated on the sites especially because of the model gives a lot of credit to agressive defensive way of playing, even for side backs which may not be inline with modern football.

      Delete
  27. Anonymous28/1/23

    Playing one of Guardiola's tactic the team could turn with the ball to a kind of 325 with the ball, krol joining midfield as inverted left-back. Thus everybody would have the skills to operate on their based position knowing the strategy is "football total positional game"
    Van Der Sar
    Stam Koeman Van Dijk
    Rijkaard Krol
    Gullit Neeskens Bergkamp Cruyff
    Van Basten

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12/2/23

      In opinion you could get neeskens as inverted right back then remove Van Dijk sorry and put Robben. Not sure the balanced is better but it's greater.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous30/5/23

      Van der sar
      Stam R.Koeman Krol
      Neeskens Rijkaard
      Robben Bergkamp Cruyff Gullit
      Van Basten

      Delete
  28. Anonymous14/11/23

    Anyone thinks huntelaar is worthy to be in the squad?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Van der kuijlen gioca molto simile a cruyff...dovrebbe essere attaccante profondo come lui visto il modo di giocare similare.

    ReplyDelete