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Having appeared in three World Cup Finals and lost all three of them, the Netherlands will be looking to get rid of their bridesmaids tag in this summers showpiece event in Brazil. Coach Louis Van Gaal will be taking charge of the national team for the last time and it also might be the last World Cup for the famed attacking trio of Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.With Van Gaal opting for a young and futuristic look to the World Cup, here is a look at five players who are key to Netherlands chances of winning their maiden World Cup.
#5 Stefan de Vrij
On the back of a stellar season at Feyenoord, 22-year-old Stefan de Vrij finds himself in the unlikely position of having to lead the Dutch defense in Brazil next month. Having captained his club to an impressive second place finish last season, de Vrij will be hoping to cap off the season with some strong displays in the World Cup.
At just 22, de Vrij is already a commanding figure in central defense and his partnership with his club-mate Bruno Martins Indi is likely to go a long way in deciding whether the Dutch have a good World Cup or not. The center back pairing was one of Feyenoord’s biggest strengths last season and it was the inspirational de Vrij who led the club every step of the game, and Van Gaal will be hoping that he does the same for the Oranje.
Similar to former Dutch defender Danny Blind, de Vrij is not just a commanding presence in defense, but is a vital component in starting the attack as well. His ability to ready the game and react accordingly displays a maturity well beyond his years. Like most Dutch defenders, his ability to carry the ball out of defense is one of his strengths and the Oranje will be hoping that this charismatic and confident defender will be the leader of a young and untested Dutch defense that takes to the field in Brazil.
#4 Daley Blind
In the absence of the injured Kevin Strootman, the versatile Daley Blind is set to become a key cog in the Dutch machine. The 24-year-old Blind was a key asset in Ajax’s fourth-straight Eredivisie title and the Oranje will be hoping that he plays a pivotal role for the national side as well, as they look to claim their maiden World Cup title.
Capable of playing as a center back, left back or a defensive midfielder, Blind was Ajax’s most improved player last season. Although he isn’t well known outside of Holland, his tireless running, tenacious tackling and precise passing of the ball make him an asset going forward and in defense.
Blind is likely to take his place in central midfield, alongside Nigel de Jong and the pair hope to provide the platform for the famed Dutch attack to do their bit. His technical ability, coupled with his defensive discipline make him a player to watch out for in this talent but relatively young Dutch squad.
#3 Wesley Sneijder
Ever since his five-goal display in the 2010 World Cup, Wesley Sneijder has faded away into relative obscurity, in footballing terms. His move from Inter Milan to Galatasary showed that a player once coveted by the top European clubs was slowly fading away. But the 29-year-old’s inclusion in the World Cup squad showed that the attacking midfielder still has what it takes to shine on the biggest stage.
As he proved in the previous World Cup and in the Champions League, with Inter, cometh the hour, he is someone who makes a difference. Up until Rafael Van Der Vaart’s injury, his place in the side was a question mark, but now, Van Gaal himself has said that Sneijder along with Robben are likely to be his two main attacking threats. If he can repeat his goal scoring exploits of his last World Cup, the Dutch are sure to become major contenders.
#2 Arjen Robben
After missing a guilt-edged chance in the final against Spain in 2010, Robben will be hoping to make amends this time around. The 30-year-old Dutchman has shown no signs of fatigue as he approaches this summer’s tournament after a successful season with Bayern. The winger will be one of the side’s main attacking threat and Van Gaal will be hoping that his penetrative runs and incisive passing will create enough openings for the strikers to take advantage of.
Often criticized for being a one-trick pony and not defending enough, Robben has shown that if your one trick is that good, there is nothing wrong in making full use of it. A good decade into his professional career, defenders are still unable to cope with the Dutchman’s ability to cut inside from the right flank and either curl a shot on goal or provide a precise pass to his team mate. Of late, Robben has even improved his defensive contribution, but Van Gaal will be hoping that does little of that and more of the attacking that has seen become one of the best wingers of his generation.
#1 Robin Van Persie
Although the Manchester United striker had a far from fruitful League campaign, his form for the national side during the qualifying for this summer’s World Cup showed that he comes into Brazil as the side’s No.1 offensive weapon. His 11 goals were most by any player in the European qualifying zone and even in an injury-hit season the Dutchman still managed to be his club side’s second top scorer behind Wayne Rooney.
Often criticized for his lackluster performances for the national side in the major tournaments, the 30-year-old will be hoping that this is the tournament that he proves his doubters wrong. Coming into the World Cup with fine goal scoring form, he will also be boosted by the fact that he is the captain of the side in what could be his last World Cup. Having already overtaken Patrick Kluivert as Holland’s most prolific goal scorer, Van Persie will be looking to cap it off with a fine display in Brazil and go one better than last time out.
