Oranje in great shape: attackers and Koeman praised after victory against Sweden
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
Following the crushing victory against Sweden, the Dutch internationals received very good marks. Brian Brobbey stood out while Ronald Koeman managed to erase the criticism received after the draw against Japan.
After the disappointing draw against Japan, Ronald Koeman was strongly criticized, particularly for his choice of replacements. In the next duel against Sweden, the Dutch coach raised his level and obtained a score of 7.5, two points more than in the previous meeting. However, he was not the one who received the highest rating, which went to Brian Brobbey, put at the forefront of the attack by Koeman. His excellent start to the match in the United States largely contributed to the clear and flawless victory for the Oranje. In addition to Koeman and Brobbey, several players also received high ratings: Cody Gakpo (7.5), incoming Crysencio Summerville (7), Frenkie de Jong (7), Ryan Gravenberch (7) and Denzel Dumfries (7). To be taken into account in this evaluation, the Dutch players had to have played at least half an hour excluding added time. Here are the grades awarded:
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- Bart Verbruggen: 6 -Denzel Dumfries: 7
- Jan Paul van Hecke: 6.5
- Virgil van Dijk: 6
- Micky van de Ven: 5
- Ryan Gravenberch: 7
- Frenkie de Jong: 7 (replaced in the 59th by Teun Koopmeiners, 5.5)
- Tijjani Reijnders: 6 (replaced in the 59th by Guus Til, 5.5)
- Donyell Malen: 6 (replaced in the 46th by Crysencio Summerville, 7)
- Brian Brobbey: 8 (replaced in the 72nd by Memphis Depay)
- Cody Gakpo: 7.5 (replaced in the 90th by Noa Lang)
Ultimately, this meeting against Sweden restored confidence in the Netherlands and their coach, showing them great promise for the rest of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.