Holland vs. N. Ireland & Estonia - Euro qualifiers

Who would have thought that Boadu and Stengs could be productive for the NT? Good thing we didn't start some of these players against NI; wouldn't have wanted Babel, Berghuis and Blind to take a backseat to much more talented and hungry players who are in better form to boot. Might have actually topped the group then.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth. Who would have thought... I was facepalming as soon as I saw L de Jong in the starting lineup. I mean, if you’re not going to start Depay as a striker than surely Boadu gets the nod, but nope... Oh well, all’s well that ends well. Hope Koeman will consider Stengs and Boadu more seriously now.

 

Yup, and likewise for the rest of the clubs active in Europe as that provides challenges not offered in the league matches.

 

Exactly lol. Only on two occasions and Koeman is starting him over Dumfries. I actually liked the move as Promes is in form and Dumfires has been very bad for PSV lately

 

I would agree as I have mentioned in the past how much I love Boadu but he just wastes too many chances and still scores. It just shows how many chances he creates with his speed and smarts.

But he was incredible today, mind you it was Estonia. But his touch and passes were great. And he always reads where to go. Man Boadu surprised me today. I watch every AZ game and didn't expect him to look that comfortable right away

 

With Boadu deservedly capped in Oranje... suck it Ghana

Stengs plays behind a central striker (Depay), in free/roaming role could be Koeman’s key to unlock this team’s offensive potential. Stengs is really good on the ball, is a visionary, and can unleash shot from edge of the box. When the jitters are gone (on several occasions he either rushed or took too long to make a play), he will be even dangerous!

Frenkie, Wijnaldum and Stengs... that’s a darn good balance on creativity, energy and goal-scoring. Book it!!

 

I agree about Stengs but disagree about Boadu. At least as things stand right now. We can agree that he is still wasteful in front of goal, but so is Malen, so is Luuk de Jong. How can they be "ready right now" and Boadu not?

I rate Boadu as highly as Malen right now. They both play in the same domestic league and on the same European stage and no one is significantly better than the other in my opinion. Malen has 10 goals to Boadu's 8 domestically and 3 to 4 in Europe. However, let's not forget that a big chunk of Malen's domestic goals came from just one game (5 vs Vitesse).

Luuk de Jong in my opinion, offers less than both Malen and Boadu unless we are in dire need of a goal with time running out and need to apply the crossing-and-hope-for-the-best tactic. Even then I'd rather have Weghorst than Luuk. I simply do not rate the guy. Matter of opinion, of course.

 

I actually think Boadu was amazing on the ball tonight and overall too. Stengs made a more nervy impression than Boadu did despite having two assists. Great intent in his passing but not quite effective over the course of the whole game. Probably still needs to get in tune with his new teammates and develop an understanding. He has great potential as a #10 too imo. He can identify a narrow passing lane quickly and has the courage to try to give the pass.

The similarities between Boadu and Malen are striking. Both fast, both great on the ball, both have a knack for freeing themselves of their markers and making great runs, both blow hot and cold in front of goal.

I think Boadu has a higher ceiling as a #9, but both are an absolute asset to our front line and if Boadu keeps developing at this rate in the second part of the season then Koeman has no choice but to take him to the EC. Let's see what happens.

 

It's pretty clear that Luuk has no spot on this roster anymore. He was awful in the 1st half and just doesn't provide anything imo.

I actually really liked Weghorst tonight and his hold up play and little touches. He has passed Luuk for me.

Then Boadu was spectacular. He passed Luuk a while ago and just keeps pulling away. Add in Malen and Depay and don't see a spot for Luuk.

This team only needs one De Jong

 

He also played in Spain as a right back.

 

No idea why Koeman could not have made a few changes in the Northern Ireland match?
Oh well that is stating the obvious
Very enjoyable match tonight enjoyed the movement on and off the ball.
Just wanted to note one great intervention by Van Aanholt in the 2nd half were he sprinted across to cut out a dangerous attack by Estonia. No way would we see that from Blind, but that said I can pretty much guarantee Daley being in the XI due to his experience and tactical awareness that Koeman loves.
Now after these 2 games I have come away with no Berghuis or Luuk De Jong 100% not for Oranje.
I am also good with no Veltman or Strootman (nice assist) either.
Babel to bench De Roon to bench.
The future is bright my friends and the color is Oranje!
❤️

 

How much some shout out to Gini Wijnaldum... who finished qualifying as top scorer (8 goals). What a transformation from a guy who ran around in circle into a goalscoring machine, and equally important, a team leader. Props to Koeman too for unleashing this power.

So.... the Dutch missed out on last two major tournaments. This was the longest absence from major finals since mid 80’s - at that time, then they did come back, they triumphed and lifted Euro ’88 trophy. Surely history can’t repeat itself... or can it?

 

I’m sorry but I just loved Stengs today. Maybe I’m biased to that player but he brings freshness into the game. Yes, he missed some passes and was clearly nervous and nevertheless provided two assists and some great link up plays. Mind you I don’t know if you guys are seeing his defensive awareness. He is pretty good getting the ball back. Boadu no words... 18 years old. Him and Malen will be fighting for years to come hahah. Great game and I really enjoyed the pace we moved the ball.

 

Yeah I was irritated to see that voetbalzone and the general media was very harsh on him. Voetbalzone gave him a 5.5 and the lowest score on the team. That’s pretty rough imo.

The future is definitely bright, wow! I’ve had some pretty radical lineups in my head the last few days... need to get to writing them out soon.

Also as a RB option, how is Promes defensively?

 

Yah I always disagree with those ratings. They just pull numbers out of their ass it seems. Sitea like FotMob and SofaScore are much better. They gave Stengs a 9.2 and 9.3 rating.

Yes he was sloppy at times but he also created TEN chances according to FotMob. He has elite positioning and reads the game so well

 

This game brought such a smile to my face. Seeing Stengs and Boadu out there just made me happy. I love watching those two so much. I really do think they have world class potential. And then Weghorst being a pleasant surprise. Gini absolutely bossing and becoming such a leader and his fantastic speech yesterday followed up by this game. Ake was a wall back there and shows the depth at CB we have. And then the camera pans to Ihattaren in the stands cheering on Oranje. Just a great day

 

Does anybody else think Ake should be starting at CM along side Frenkie. Koeman needs to give him a break in the CM. He can be more decisive if he plays a high line and in front of the backline as this will not resrict him going forward on his own will like what frenkie does. The other thing I like about Ake is he is guy who doesnt restrain away from putting his body on the line. I remember some time back there were some here who were very critical about him, lack of awarness etc but he has gone on to become a proven player both for club and NT. Im expecting him moving to a top club in jan transfer.

As discussed De Roon is more of a destroyer and propper only looks good with average team. In high tempo games like in epl his deficiencies is easily exposed. Not sure about strootman,what can be concluded from his performance vs estonia. Can he jump back into contention with regular performances at Marseille and by the end of the season or is his time already up.

 

Thats a bit rich coming from a country that didnt manage to qualify at the last Euro with 24 teams...