Although Netherlands have never won the World Cup, they have appeared in three finals-1974, 1978 and 2010 and are loved by many football fans for their passion and offensive tactics. 258,795 AFers have voted for their all-time Netherlands XI, here are the results:
Goalkeeper:
Van der Sar (82.4% of votes)
Van der Sar is one of the most decorated and successful footballers ever, having won 27 major trophies in his career, mainly at Ajax and Manchester United. He made 130 caps for the Netherlands national team and is considered as one of the best goalkeepers of all time.
Defenders:
Ronald Koeman (17.5% of votes)
Regarded as one of the best and most prolific attacking central defenders of all time, Ronald Koeman won UEFA Euro 1988 and played at the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, captaining the team at the latter as becoming the head coach of Netherlands now.
Frank De Boer (14.7% of votes)
Frank De Boer captained the Oranje to the semi-finals of both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 with 112 caps for the national team.
Jaap Stam (10.2% of votes)
As one of the best defenders in his time, Stam played 67 international matches for the Netherlands, scoring three goals. He was in their squads for three UEFA European Championships and the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Virgil van Dijk (19.6% of votes)
As the only active player in the back-line, Van Dijk is the core of defense of Liverpool and the Dutch national team.
Midfielders:
Johan Cruyff (25.4% of votes)
Regarded as one of the greatest football players as well as coaches in history, Cruyff won the Ballon d'Or three times and made 48 caps for Netherlands national team.
Dennis Bergkamp (16.8% of votes)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in his generation, Bergkamp finished third twice in the FIFA World Player of the Year award and was selected by Pelé as one of the FIFA 100 greatest living players.
Ruud Gullit (12% of votes)
Ruud Gullit was the captain of the Netherlands national team that was victorious at UEFA Euro 1988 and was also a member of the squad for the 1990 FIFA World Cup and Euro 1992. He won the Ballon d'Or in 1987 and was named the World Soccer Player of the Year in 1987 and 1989.
Wesley Sneijder (15% of votes)
Sneijder made his debut in April 2003 at the age of 18, and represented his country at the 2006, 2010 (where the Netherlands were defeated 1–0 in the final) and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2004, 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Football Championships. He was named UEFA midfielder of the season and one of the three best midfielders in the world for 2010 by FIFA.
Forwards:
Arjen Robben (25.2% of votes)
Robben has appeared at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships, and the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, in the latter he was named the Bronze Ball and to the All-Star Team. In 2014, Robben was ranked as the fourth-best footballer in the world by The Guardian.
Robin van Persie (22.3% of votes)
Van Persie has 102 caps and has scored 50 goals for the Netherlands, making him their top scorer of all time. He has represented his country at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, and the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships.
Do you agree?
Shadevil
91
Where is Marco Van Basten? Do people not know that he won 3 Ballon d'Or, 3 times UEFA best player, FIFA World player of the year, 2 Champions Leagues, many league titles and a UEFA Euro too? And people have chosen Van Dijk. It goes on to show that they only pick players who recently retired, play for their favourite club or whose names they know. Pathetic. Did you know Marco Asensio was named after Marco Van Basten and his mother is Dutch.
PotatoMan456
54
I disagree with Van Persie, and Van Dijk. Van Persie may be a great striker but there are so many more talented ones than him in Dutch history. he may have scored wonders like this. Although Van Dijk, just wow. It’s shows how people know nothing about Dutch history. That man may be a stellar defender for Liverpool but he only started playing for the team at 23.
Sterzil
35
I remember the days of cryuff he was simply a phenomenon one of the best players ever he was the major and fire house of the Netherlands team.... Am not surprised he's there Johan one of the best players ever and an unforgettable one too. We miss You
Susabcdlp
25
what abwt dis goal mashine???