Inventors of Total Football which is today the trademark style of European power houses, Barcelona and Arsenal, the land which gave rise to football’s greatest talents like Johan Cruyff, Marco Van Basten, Frank Riijkard, Ruud Gullit, Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud van Nistelrooy; the list is endless when talking about Dutch football. L’Oranjes have always been billed as ‘the chokers’ who falter at the final hurdle. For several reasons, I believe a Dutch World Cup win is due.
The Eredivisie(the Dutch domestic league) is one of Europe’s most talented leagues, though considered a ‘feeder league’ today by many. It was in the Netherlands that people like Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Mark van Bommel and several others started their careers and went on to achieve greatness. Unable to hold on to its talented players, the Eredivisie has lost its fame in Europe today. But the fact that the youth system of teams like Ajax is considered one of the best in the world is indisputable. A country’s football team thrives on a strong domestic league which breeds young talent. The Dutch clubs are masters at it.
In the current squad, Holland have two visionary playmakers in Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder. Sneijder, who has been the string puller of the Inter orchestra this season, is devastating with his incisive passes and strong free kicks. Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong act as anchors in a strong defensive midfield. For the forwards, Bert van Marwijk has plenty of options at his disposal in the likes of Arjen Robben(who terrorized Europe this UCL), Robin van Persie, Huntelaar and Kuyt(all clinical poachers). With Robben fit, I see no reason why L’Oranjes won’t go all the way this World Cup in South Africa. The highest honour in football is long overdue for the Dutch. Billed the underdogs during every tournament, I would love to see them win and breathe new life into the world’s greatest sporting event.
L’Oranjes FTW!
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