You already know Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay. But the Dutch selection also includes a lot of lesser-known names who could color the future of Orange. An introduction to an unsurpassed foursome that we may soon see against the Red Devils.
Mark Fleks – 28 years – Freiburg
At the Devils there has been no discussion about the goalkeeper for years, with the Orange all the more.
Jasper Cillessen, Tim Krul and Maarten Stekelenburg seem to have had their best years. Heir to the throne Justin Bijlow is struggling again with injuries.
So don’t be shocked if Mark Flek is suddenly the number one in Qatar. Okay, at 28 years old, he is no longer the youngest, but he is a real late bloomer. Has played his entire professional career in Germany and had to wait until this season to break through as the first goalkeeper at Freiburg.
Widely praised for his footballing ability and mental calm.
Jurriën Timber – 20 years – Ajax
The umpteenth gold nugget from Ajax. Was the big revelation in the Eredivisie this year and even stood his ground in the Champions League.
The central defender has exceptional passing and tons of leadership for a 20-year-old. Very complete and constant too.
No wonder Erik ten Hag is eager to take him to Manchester United. Although the team from Amsterdam is (for now) keeping their feet rigid.
Twin brother Quinten also plays for Utrecht and a great future is also predicted.
Tyrell Malacia – 22nd – Feyenoord
Part of Feyenoord’s European success team this season. In recent months, he has emerged as a top candidate for the role of left back. Got his chance against Germany, among other things, and grabbed it with both hands.
“Malacia is a pit bull, you don’t like to play against that,” ex-international Ibrahim Afellay recently waved praise. “He’s so sharp, that’s unbelievable,” said Rafael van der Vaart. “I can’t remember when we had a left back in the Netherlands who tackles so sharply.”
Cody Gakpo – 23 years – PSV
The big star of PSV. Scored 21 times last season and also provided 15 assists. Phenomenal numbers.
Not surprisingly, the top foreign clubs are lining up for the dribbling and efficient wing attacker. Arsenal, Liverpool, City, Bayern, Dortmund… Gakpo is everywhere in the notebook.
However, the rising star of Dutch football is considering staying in Eindhoven for an extra year. If that is not the case, transfer records will be broken anyway.
