Speaking on ITV’s coverage of Netherlands vs Senegal (ITV1, 21/11/22 4:50PM), Gary Neville has been discussing the Netherlands’ attacking options at this World Cup.
The Dutch have been famed for producing truly world-class attacking talent over the years, from Johan Cruyff to Dennis Bergkamp to Ruud van Nistelrooy to Robin van Persie, but at the moment, they’re not blessed with any world-class forwards.
Against Senegal, Louis van Gaal’s side lined up with Steven Bergwijn and Vincent Janssen as their two attackers, and Neville claimed that the two former Spurs strikers are the worst set of Dutch forwards he’s ever seen.
Below par
Neville discussed Janssen and Bergwijn leading the line for the Netherlands.
“This is probably the worst set of Dutch forwards I’ve seen. Janssen was at Spurs a few years ago, Bergwijn has been at Spurs too. They’re really lacking in quality. Worryingly the right side of that defence, De Ligt is looking like he’s really struggling to deal with that right-back position when Dumfries is going forward,” Neville said.
Worst for a while
As harsh as it is, Neville may be right about Bergwijn and Janssen.
At every tournament in living memory, the Dutch have had at least one forward who could be considered world class.
Marco van Basten, Patrick Kluivert, Johan Neeskens, Cruyff, Bergkamp, van Nistelrooy – the list is absolutely endless.
However, right now, the Dutch aren’t producing that level of attacking talent, and thus, they’re relying on two players who didn’t even make the grade at Tottenham Hotspur.
Luckily, Cody Gakpo is coming through and perhaps in four years’ time he’ll be the real deal ready to lead his nation to World Cup glory.
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