Best 15Netherlandsof the 2020s

The Netherlands' captain and defensive leader at the 2022 World Cup, combining elite positioning, aerial dominance and distribution.

The team's world-class midfield controller, vital to progression through pressure and one of the Netherlands' best performers in Qatar.

A composed, versatile defender who excelled on the left side of the Dutch defense and played every match of the 2022 campaign.

An elite-level central defender during the decade whose strength, anticipation and aerial ability added major depth to the Dutch back line.

The Netherlands' principal attacking figure entering Qatar, offering goals, creativity, set pieces and positional versatility.

Scored in all three group matches at the 2022 World Cup and developed into a leading Dutch attacker during the decade.

A tactically intelligent and technically accomplished midfielder, valued for passing range, set pieces and positional flexibility.

A 2022 squad member who subsequently emerged as one of the decade's most gifted Dutch creators and ball carriers.

A powerful attacking wing-back who starred against the United States with one goal and two assists at the 2022 World Cup.

An experienced, positionally excellent central defender who remained an important high-level option for the Netherlands.

A key creative outlet from the left who scored and assisted against the United States while providing exceptional tactical intelligence.

A quick and technically assured defender who started three matches during the Netherlands' run to the 2022 quarterfinals.

Achieved lasting World Cup significance by scoring twice as a substitute in the dramatic quarterfinal against Argentina.

A dangerous and versatile forward whose speed and directness made him a prominent Dutch attacking option early in the decade.

An unexpected but successful starting goalkeeper in Qatar, recording two clean sheets and conceding only twice before the quarterfinal.