Netherlands

Who are the Netherlands' best players? Key performers to watch in World Cup 2022 knockout rounds

Anselm Noronha
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Cody Gakpo Netherlands 2022
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The Oranje have made it to the last 16 - GOAL takes a look at their key players

Netherlands made it out of the 2022 World Cup group stage with flying colours and now hope to lift the coveted trophy for the first time.

Louis van Gaal's men more or less breezed past Senegal and hosts Qatar, but they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ecuador.

The Dutch now face the USMNT in the round of 16 with the later making it out of Group B as runners-up.

GOAL takes a look at the best Netherlands players at the 2022 World Cup.

Editors' Picks

  1. Andries Noppert | Heerenveen | GK
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    Andries Noppert | Heerenveen | GK

    World Cup debutant Andries Noppert has announced himself on the global stage this tournament.

    Despite the lack of experience the Heerenveen goalkeeper possesses, he has been picked over Justin Bijlow and Remko Pasveer, while Jasper Cillessen was even left out of the squad entirely. His performances have been under a microscope as a result, but the lanky stopper has risen to the challenge and particularly impressed in his side's win over Senegal.

  2. Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | DF
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    Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | DF

    Virgil van Dijk has endured a tough start to the season at Liverpool, but there has been little evidence of his club struggles at the World Cup.

    Van Dijk remains the defensive lynchpin of his national team and if they are to make a deep run into the competition, he will be absolutely vital.

    Remarkably playing at his first World Cup at 31-years-old, he will be especially motivated to help his side put in a strong showing in the business end of the competition.

  4. Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona | MF
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    Frenkie de Jong | Barcelona | MF

    Frenkie de Jong has also been struggling for consistency at club level, but he's looked a player transformed in Qatar.

    It's been a joy to watch the Barcelona man weave his way through midfield for the Netherlands and he really looks at home in Van Gaal's system.

    No more shifts at centre-back for Frenkie. He's come to ball this World Cup.

  5. Cody Gakpo | PSV | FW
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    Cody Gakpo | PSV | FW

    Cody Gakpo is experiencing the best time of his professional career as the PSV forward managed to find the back of the net in all three group games.

    He had already been in top form coming into the tournament, registering 13 goals and 17 assists in 24 games for his club.

    It is little surprise that Barcelona, and a host of other top European sides, are all chasing the dynamic forward.

  7. Memphis Depay | Barcelona | FW
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    Memphis Depay | Barcelona | FW

    Despite losing his starting spot to the irresistible Gakpo, Memphis Depay remains in Van Gaal's plans nonetheless - and with 42 goals in 84 international games that is understandable.

    Following the theme of many of his teammates, Depay didn't come into the World Cup in red-hot form.

    However, there is a reason that Barcelona jumped through hoops to register the frontman. He will be a potent weapon for Van Gaal - even off the bench.

  8. Davy Klaassen | Ajax | MF
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    Davy Klaassen | Ajax | MF

    Gakpo has stolen the headlines, but Davy Klaassen has been quietly going about his business very effectively in the group stages.

    The midfielder was on the scoresheet against Senegal and it was none other than the Ajax man who set up Gakpo in the Ecuador draw with a neat flick.

    He's one to watch as the Netherlands aim to end their wait for a World Cup trophy.