The Netherlands will have high hopes for the Euros this summer, even without defensive anchor Virgil Van Dijk.
The Dutch will be strong favourites to top their group, as they face Austria, North Macedonia and Ukraine.
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With Ronald Koeman ditching the national team last year for glory at Barcelona, a new era of Oranje football is on the horizon.
After failing to qualify for the 2016 Euros, plenty of eyes will be on the Netherlands as their supporters will be keen to show just how good they are.
They will be without their captain and arguably best player in Liverpool’s Van Dijk, who has been sidelined all year with a knee injury.
The Netherlands have one European Championship victory to their name, all the way back in 1988, could this be their year?
They kick off their tournament against Ukraine on Sunday night and here’s everything you need to know about them.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Marco Bizot (AZ), Tim Krul (Norwich), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax)
Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Daley Blind (Ajax), Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Denzel Dumfries (PSV), Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace), Joël Veltman (Brighton), Owen Wijndal (AZ)
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax), Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (AZ), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moskva), Jurrien Timber (Ajax), Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool)
Forwards: Steven Berghuis (Feyenoord), Luuk de Jong (Sevilla), Memphis Depay (Lyon), Cody Gakpo (PSV), Donyell Malen (PSV Eindhoven), Wout Weghorst (Wolfsburg)
The star man: Frenkie de Jong
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Frenkie de Jong doesn’t shy away from big matches.
At just 24, he’s established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world.
A product of the famous Ajax youth academy, he’s cemented himself as a key player in Barcelona this season.
If the Netherlands are to be successful this Euros, they’re going to need top performances from De Jong.
Speaking on the midfielder, manager Frank De Boer said: “Of course, Messi always has an impact but you see already what an importance De Jong is in the team and players are recognising that”
The one to look out for: Ryan Gravenberch
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Ryan Gravenberch is one to keep an eye on this Euros.
The 19 year-old is another product of the Ajax academy, and is one of the first names on the team sheet for the club this season.
With technical ability and a defensive mindset at such a young age it’s no surprise Gravenberch is being linked with some of the best clubs in the world.
Although not considered a starter, the U17 European Championship winner will definitely get significant minutes and has the ability to impact the game.
The manager: Frank De Boer
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Some may remember Frank De Boer for his disappointment at Inter Milan and Crystal Palace but the manager is ready to redeem himself.
There has been a lot of uproar about his appointment as many people think there were better options available heading into such an important tournament.
Since he replaced Koeman the Netherlands have looked decent. winning four of his nine games in charge.
This is a huge opportunity to prove to everyone he’s a worthy and capable manager.
The fixtures
All games live on talkSPORT
June 13 – Netherlands vs Ukraine 20:00
June 17 – Netherlands vs Austria 20:00
June 21 – Netherlands vs North Macedonia 17:00
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