the Oranje substitutes record highest numbers in Thessaloniki

In the light of the vibrant arena in Thessaloniki, the Dutch fans saw an unexpected twist: the three halftime substitutes of the Netherlands achieved the highest scores of the team on Thursday evening. Each player received a rating of 7, a striking result after a dramatic first half.

Substitutions that made the difference

After a difficult first half in Greece, national team coach Xavi Hernández came into the break with a triple substitution. The changes brought Tijjani Reijnders, Ryan Gravenberch and Noa Lang onto the field, and their performances were each rated 7 by the analysts.

Crysencio Summerville also received the same rating, while other players scored lower: Guus Til received a narrow fail and the brothers Timber, Quinten and Robin were substituted midway.

Martijn Krabbendam, journalist at VI, noted that the three substitutes achieved the highest figures among all Dutch players, underscoring the impact of Hernández's tactical choices.

The adjusted lineup eventually earned the Netherlands another point, extending the unbeaten start of the Spanish coach in the Netherlands by a few days.

After a disappointing World Cup, the Dutch national team now focuses on the Nations League 2026/27, where it will face Germany, Serbia and Greece in the group stage.