Facing brave Senegalese, the Netherlands won (2-0) for their first match of the World Cup. Here are the Tops and Flops of this clash between the Oranje and the Teranga Lions.
The Tops of Senegal-Netherlands
The Lions did not give up
After Sadio Mané’s package, some weren’t giving a damn about this selection from Senegal. However, the Teranga Lions delivered a very high level match against a high caliber opponent. The African champions clearly made the Batavians doubt and undoubtedly deserved better than this result. Putting a very big physical impact from the kick-off, Senegal proved to be dangerous on several occasions (13 shots including 4 on target). The absence of Sadio Mané was still felt in the offensive sector but difficult to overwhelm Aliou Cissé’s men.
Indispensable Frenkie de Jong
Like the Oranje, Frenkie de Jong was not necessarily exceptional. Nevertheless, the Barcelonan remains the key piece of this team. The former Ajax player is the decisive passer on Cody Gakpo’s goal thanks to a millimeter cross. With 80 balls touched, the highest total of his team, Frenkie de Jong sometimes seems to be the only player capable of making a difference. His defensive contribution is not to be neglected (6 balls recovered)
FRENKIE DE JONG WHAT AN ASSIST FOR THE GOAL ?????
— H (@hazfcb_) November 21, 2022
Kalidou Koulibay as an almost impassable rampart
Very big game for the Chelsea defender. As usual, the Senegalese did not count his efforts on the lawn for 90 minutes. If the Dutch have had so much difficulty in being dangerous, it is partly thanks or because of him. Difficult indeed to move the former defender of Napoli. In the absence of Sadio Mané, the strong captain is definitely the leader of this team. If Kalidou Koulibay has therefore shown himself up to the challenge, we must also highlight the good performance of Pape Abou Cissé, his friend in central defense.
Gakpo confirms
Excellent since the start of the season with PSV (9 goals and 12 assists), Cody Gakpo has started his World Cup perfectly. The 23-year-old delivered his own by opening the scoring. If Frenkie de Jong’s pass is sublime, the star of Eindhoven shows his intelligence by this subtle movement in the penalty area.
Senegal-Netherlands Flops
Oranje that lack juice
If the victory is there, Louis Van Gaal still has a lot of work to do. The Batavians have indeed delivered an unexciting performance. Seriously shaken by their opponents of the day, the Dutch disappointed. However, this team is not lacking in individual talent.
Matthijs de Ligt in trouble
We are very far from the great Matthijs de Ligt, that of Ajax. The Bayern Munich defender did not deliver the best performance of his career, far from it. Facing Ismaila Sarr, the Dutchman often found himself in difficulty, caught up in the speed and physical impact of his opponent. Like a yellow card received shortly before the hour mark, the 23-year-old was sometimes very nervous. If his performance is not catastrophic, we are entitled to expect much better from such an experienced profile.
Matthijs de Ligt’s first half was really complicated. ?
The level he had at Ajax seems so far away… pic.twitter.com/DY3BBAmBJp
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) November 21, 2022
Janssen did not weigh
Unknown to the general public, the Royal Antwerp player was chosen by Louis Van Gaal to lead the Oranje attack along with Steven Bergwijn. In a hotly contested game, Vincent Janssen unfortunately failed to seize his chance. Unfortunately, the statistics do not speak in his favor (no dribbling attempted and zero shots on target in 75 minutes spent on the lawn). He is logically replaced by Memphis Depay.
