In recent months, the Dutch national team has experienced fluctuating form, with impressive victories interspersed with disappointing performances. This indicates that there is room for improvement, especially as they prepare for the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. In this context, we must examine the tactical choices of coach Ronald Koeman and consider what tweaks are necessary to make a strong impression in the United States.

Current Form and Tactical Analysis

Recent matches have shown that the Netherlands has a strong foundation, particularly in defensive organization. However, the attack sometimes lacks creativity and efficiency. The combination of players like Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo, while potentially promising, has not always led to desired outcomes. It seems that the attacking style does not always sync with the defensive setup.

Suggested Adjustment: Flexibility in Formation

One possible adjustment could be to shift the formation to a 4-2-3-1, emphasizing more dynamism in the midfield. By adding extra creative players like Xavi Simons or Donyell Malen, the Netherlands can exert more pressure on the opponent and create more opportunities for the forwards. This would also increase space for wingers to cut in and take long-range shots.

Strengthening the Attack

Additionally, it may be beneficial to reconsider the role of the striker. Deploying a more physically dominant striker like Wout Weghorst could put the opponent under pressure and create space for the speed of the wingers. This could also help make the long-ball strategy more effective, which has been a strong asset for Oranje in the past.

Improving Set-Pieces

Another aspect that needs attention is set-pieces. The Netherlands often has aerial quality but converting free kicks and corners could be improved. Appointing a specialist in set-pieces could help turn these opportunities into goals, which can be crucial in tightly contested matches.

Conclusion

With these strategic adjustments, Oranje can maximize its potential and prepare more robustly for the 2026 World Cup. It is essential that Koeman effectively communicates his vision and tactics to the players so that each change can be smoothly integrated. If the Netherlands can implement these tweaks, the path to success in the group stage could be significantly eased.