Dutch fans bench Donyell Malen for Tunisia, ten sub goals

Ahead of the Netherlands’ final group game against Tunisia, supporters voted to keep Donyell Malen on the bench, even though he has scored ten of his thirteen international goals after coming on as a substitute, a record that makes him the most prolific impact player for Oranje.

The fan poll selected Crysencio Summerville as right winger, Brian Brobbey as the central striker and Cody Gakpo on the left. With those three starters, there was no room left for Donyell Malen in the starting eleven.

Malen arrived in top form for Oranje after a season in Serie A where he was close to becoming the league’s top scorer. Only Lautaro Martínez finished the campaign with more goals than Malen in Serie A.

During the winter window, both Malen and Mohamed Salah were hailed as the best mid‑season signings ever. Their impact was highlighted by immediate goal contributions for club and country.

In midfield, the poll favoured Justin Kluivert as the third creative midfielder. Tijjani Reijnders was left out of the preferred lineup.

Malen’s record as a substitute is remarkable: ten of his thirteen Oranje goals came after entering the match. Pierre van Hooijdonk also has ten substitute goals, while Wout Weghorst and Memphis Depay have eight and seven respectively.

No other Dutch international has scored more goals after coming off the bench than Malen. His efficiency reinforces the argument for using him as a game‑changing option.