Netherlands at Euro 2020: Tactical Mastery and Key Takeaways
Netherlands entered Euro 2020 as frontrunners in Group C and lived up to expectations by convincingly winning all three group matches. Under Frank de Boer, the Dutch displayed tactical versatility, fluid transitions, and standout individual performances on both sides of the ball. As the tournament advanced to the knockout rounds, the Netherlands emerged as one of the most dynamic teams. This analysis explores the tactical approaches and player contributions that fueled their group stage success.
Strategic Setup: The Foundation of the 3-4-1-2 System
Throughout the group phase, Frank de Boer consistently utilized a 3-4-1-2 formation, placing Georginio Wijnaldum in an advanced, playmaking role ahead of a robust midfield pivot. While the system occasionally shifted between variations like 3-4-3 or 5-2-3, its core structure established the base for attacking flair and defensive resilience.
In goal, veteran Maarten Stekelenburg marshaled the defense with composure, while the back three – Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan De Vrij, and Daley Blind – offered a blend of strength and technical proficiency. De Vrij, usually a central figure at his club, was surprisingly placed on the right and used his license to push forward, complementing Daley Blind’s progressive left-sided role.
Wing-backs were crucial in the Dutch system. Denzel Dumfries’ advanced positioning not only made him a regular goal threat, with two strikes in the first two games, but also provided additional width and options in attack. On the left, Patrick van Aanholt’s pace and ability to cover ground made him a reliable starter over the younger Owen Wijndal. This adaptable defensive and wing-back structure opened the door for creative freedom and overloads in key areas.
Midfield Dynamics and Attacking Trios
In the center of the pitch, Frenkie de Jong was the orchestrator, supported by Marten de Roon in the initial games and 19-year-old Ryan Gravenberch in the final group match. Wijnaldum, granted significant attacking freedom as the No. 10, made the most of his forward runs to score three goals in three appearances.
Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay formed a synergistic strike partnership. Depay spearheaded creative play with two goals and one assist, actively dropping deep to influence build-up phases and create space for runners. Weghorst, meanwhile, complemented Depay’s movement and contributed both offensively and defensively. Donyell Malen impressed in substitute appearances, delivering two assists and adding energy to the attack.
Progressive Build-up: Possession with Purpose
Netherlands averaged 54% possession during the group stage, but their dominance was defined by purposeful circulation and rapid progression, not mere ball retention. The three center-backs efficiently moved the ball, frequently involving the wing-backs before funneling play through Frenkie de Jong. De Jong excelled at driving forward – whether by passing or dribbling – to break opposition lines and accelerate attacking moves.
Statistically, the Dutch led the tournament in completed dribbles per game (13), with De Jong outpacing other continental stars. Their preference for short, intricate passing over long balls fostered fluid combinations, especially as Depay and Wijnaldum exploited spaces between the lines. When advancing into the opponent’s half, center-backs such as Blind and De Vrij stepped up to participate in attacking play, disrupting defensive setups and creating numerical advantages.
Defensive Organization and High Press Tactics
Defensively, Netherlands were robust, with only a brief lapse against Ukraine marring an otherwise formidable record. The three-man central defense was buttressed by hard-working midfielders and an aggressive, coordinated pressing scheme orchestrated from the front.
A key defensive hallmark was their proficiency in regaining possession swiftly after turnovers. The Dutch counter-pressed aggressively, led by De Jong’s energy and anticipation in midfield. Since much of the team operated high in the opposition half, field compactness allowed for rapid pressing and limited space for opponents to launch counterattacks.
For extended defensive phases or during opposition goal kicks, the system shifted into a 3-4-3 shape. This adjustment saw Wijnaldum join the front press, ensuring Weghorst remained centrally positioned as an outlet. The flexibility allowed the team to form defensive triangles in wide areas, suffocating the opposition’s progression and leveraging the aerial prowess of three central defenders. Against top-tier teams, this setup allowed them to transition into deeper formations such as 5-4-1 if needed, but their default approach aimed to regain the ball high up the pitch.
Attacking Play: Fluidity and Finishing Power
Offensively, the Netherlands shone as the tournament’s leading scorers in the group stage, netting eight goals by June 21, 2021. Their goal-scoring feats were built on diverse movement, positional interplay, and the clever utilization of individual specialties.
Wijnaldum flourished in a more advanced role, turning his late entry into the box into a deadly weapon. Memphis Depay was the heartbeat of the attack, dictating tempo with his movement, vision, and willingness to collect the ball deep. The team’s strategy emphasized dynamic interplay, especially down the left, culminating in quick combinations with players like Malen, Gravenberch, and Weghorst.
An important facet was harnessing Dumfries as a secondary attacker from wing-back, frequently arriving late into the penalty area to finish moves initiated by Depay or others. The preference for intricate, one-touch passing, often facilitated by Depay, created gaps and overwhelmed defenses. Simultaneously, the structure provided security, as the advanced center-backs and de Jong were poised to recover possession and reset the attack if needed.
Conclusion: Netherlands Set the Standard in Euro 2020’s Group Stage
The Netherlands delivered one of the standout performances in the Euro 2020 group stage, blending flair, discipline, and tactical innovation under Frank de Boer. Their attacking output, led by Depay and Wijnaldum, was matched by organizational strength at the back and an aggressive approach to defending from the front. As the tournament moved into its decisive phase, the Dutch looked poised as a team capable of challenging the continent’s elite, having showcased both the style and substance crucial for success at the highest level.
