Europa League
For Oranje, the Morocco test begins with defensive questions
The Netherlands have topped their group and will face Morocco in the last 32, setting up a clash where Oranje’s defensive record will be scrutinised. Ronald Koeman’s side conceded four goals in the group stage, two of which came from set-pieces, exposing vulnerabilities that opponents have exploited with targeted preparation.
Crysencio Summerville and Brian Brobbey have emerged as key threats in attack. Brobbey replaced Donyell Malen in the starting line-up against Sweden and scored three goals, all from crosses—a marked improvement on his previous record in this area. His deeper positioning and willingness to make runs beyond the last defender have added a new dimension to Oranje’s attack, with data showing he averages 20 deep runs per game compared to Malen’s seven against Japan.
Summerville, deployed on the right wing, has also impressed since replacing Malen against Tunisia. His pace, dribbling, and ability to make deep runs have made him a consistent threat, contributing two goals and one assist in just 133 minutes. The right-back partnership of Denzel Dumfries has provided crucial width, with Dumfries often delaying his overlapping runs to allow Brobbey to exploit blind-side positions.
Ronald Koeman’s tactical flexibility has been a talking point, with Oranje adapting systems mid-game to counter opponents. Against Japan, Koeman shifted to a three-at-the-back setup with Dumfries dropping deeper, which neutralised Japan’s pressing but reduced attacking threat. Against Sweden, Malen’s withdrawal to midfield created an overload, leading directly to a goal after Brobbey’s introduction.
However, Koeman’s adjustments have not always succeeded. Against Japan, Nathan Aké was positioned in the last line to deal with two strikers, but Oranje struggled to cope with Japan’s pressing once their speed was neutralised. Against Sweden, Graham Potter’s tactical change during the hydration break left Oranje disorganised until Koeman restored order at half-time.
Oranje’s set-piece defending has been particularly problematic, conceding twice from corners in the group stage. Japan and Tunisia both identified weaknesses in Oranje’s zonal marking system, luring Virgil van Dijk out of position to create scoring chances. Against Japan, Japan’s runners targeted Van Dijk’s zone, forcing him to move and leaving a gap for a header. Against Tunisia, a similar approach saw Eric van Hecke drawn out of position, allowing Hazem Mastouri to score.
Defensive organisation has lacked variety, with opponents able to prepare effectively against a single system. Koeman has acknowledged the need for multiple defensive set-ups to prevent opponents from exploiting predictable patterns. The risk of conceding from set-pieces is magnified in knockout football, where a single goal can decide a match.
Defensive errors have not been limited to set-pieces. Oranje conceded 2.4 expected goals against in the group stage, with multiple defensive mistakes leading to dangerous chances. Against Japan, Virgil van Dijk and Eric van Hecke used man-marking, while Nathan de Jong operated in a more zonal system, creating gaps between the lines. Against Sweden, the opposite occurred, with Van Hecke and Van Dijk dropping off, allowing Alexander Isak to drift into space between the lines.
The defensive issues are pressing as Oranje prepare for Morocco. A single goal conceded in the last 32 could force Oranje into a defensive retreat, making their attacking transitions even more difficult. Koeman’s ability to address these vulnerabilities will be decisive in the coming days.