Frank de Boer warns lack of true striker hampers Netherlands World Cup hopes

Former Netherlands coach Frank de Boer told Flashscore that his side can reach the World Cup quarter‑finals, but he warned the team’s lack of a genuine striker – a player of Harry Kane’s calibre – is a serious concern in his assessment. De Boer, who was still in charge of the Netherlands at Euro 2020, said his side can reach the World Cup quarter‑finals. "We have a good team, but we are not among the favorites. I think we can reach the quarterfinals. I know other countries do not want to play us because we can sometimes show fantastic football, but I think we are a bit erratic." He added that in a tournament you cannot afford a bad day. "And in a tournament like this you cannot afford a bad day. Maybe in the group stage, but usually not after."

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De Boer identified the lack of a true striker as the main weakness, noting that even Spain sometimes lack a pure striker. "We miss a striker that other countries have, although Spain often also have no pure striker. A striker like Harry Kane or someone of that caliber we do not have in the Netherlands. Memphis Depay is a good player, but he is not a 'real' striker." He said other nations have better attackers, with Memphis always seeking his own space while others exploit the gaps, and the Dutch lack the finishing quality of players such as Kylian Mbappé, Raphinha or Kane. "Memphis always looks for his own space. Other players can use the space that arises. I think our attackers have quality, only they miss the finishing qualities of players like Kylian Mbappé, Raphinha or Kane."

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De Boer praised several players, highlighting Frenkie de Jong, Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Micky van de Ven and Bart Verbruggen, but said the attack line is where his worries lie. "We have nice players like Frenkie de Jong, but I think we have no stars in attack. Virgil van Dijk is a star in defence, very solid: Denzel Dumfries and Micky van de Ven are high‑level players. The keeper (Bart Verbruggen) is also good. The attack line is where my worries lie." He concluded that the Netherlands will always be a team, which he believes is crucial. "I am sure that we as Netherlands will be a team, and that is always very important."