Joey Veerman and Frenkie de Jong started together for the first time in the Netherlands midfield during a 7-0 victory against Greece in Amsterdam.
The first-half display featured rapid ball circulation and precise passing that paired with deep runs from teammates, according to NOS Voetbal.
“Die twee waren zo leidend, zo bepalend voor het spel van Nederland,” stelde NOS-analyticus Ibrahim Afellay. “Dit is de manier om een tegenstander de wil op te leggen,” said Ibrahim Afellay, NOS-analyticus.
Prior to this match, the two midfielders had only shared the pitch for a brief fifteen-minute spell during Veerman’s international debut against Italy on June 18, 2023, which ended in a 2-3 defeat.
The tactical plan relied on De Jong dropping deep during the build-up phase, allowing Veerman space to distribute possession across the pitch.
Head coach Xavi deployed an attacking structure that kept Denzel Dumfries, Jurriën Timber, Crysencio Summerville, Tijjani Reijnders, Cody Gakpo, and Donyell Malen in constant motion.
Match statistics showed Veerman created at least five chances, recorded a team-high 114 touches, attempted 95 passes, and completed 87 of them. De Jong contributed 80 passes in a single half, completing 79.
“We verwachtten dat we veel balbezit zouden hebben en de opbouw was geweldig,” said Xavi, praising the contributions of Frenkie, Jan Paul, Micky, and Joey.
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders capitalized on the sustained pressure by scoring a hattrick during the dominant performance in Amsterdam.
“Ze zoeken naar de ruimtes die erachter liggen en dat hebben we geweldig gedaan,” said Reijnders.
Veerman addressed prior debates regarding his ability to function alongside De Jong in the national team setup.
“Ik hoop dat die vraagtekens nu weg zijn,” said Veerman. “Het liep lekker. Waarom zouden twee jongens die goed aan de bal zijn niet goed samen kunnen spelen?”
The Netherlands will face Germany in Berlin on Monday for their final fixture in the Nations League group stage, with kickoff scheduled for 20.45 local time.
“Ook tegen Duitsland moet je zo voetballen,” said NOS Youri Mulder regarding the upcoming fixture.
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