EURO 2024 Fantasy: Netherlands top picks
In this article, we take a look at the top Netherlands picks for Euro 2024 Fantasy. It takes into account player form, the nation’s recent results, how they achieved qualification and anything else of relevance.
Knowing who’s likely to start could be hugely beneficial to Fantasy managers, as the Netherlands have the potential to do well in this tournament.
RECENT TIMES
The Dutch are coming out of last decade’s low spell, where neither Euro 2016 nor World Cup 2018 were reached. Since then, they’ve reached Euro 2020’s Round of 16 and the quarter-finals of Qatar 2022, whilst also finishing fourth in the latest Nations League.
Both qualifiers against France ended in defeat but, with Ronald Koeman back in charge after two years away, the Netherlands were able to win the other six. Furthermore, they only conceded once in these.
As well as this, previous summer events in Germany have usually led to successful tournaments. Runners-up in the 1974 World Cup, their only ever trophy was won on neighbouring turf – Euro 88.
Nevertheless, they did lose a Frankfurt friendly in March, days after a healthy 4-0 win over Scotland.
FIXTURES
Group D’s big clash quickly reunites the Netherlands with France in Leipzig, following an opener versus Poland. You can never totally rule out a Robert Lewandowski team but they finished third in a relatively straightforward qualifying group. Play-off victories over Estonia and Wales eventually did the job.
Other opponents Austria will be without star man David Alaba but they seem revitalised under Ralf Rangnick.
- 16 June: Poland (Hamburg)
- 21 June: France (Leipzig)
- 25 June: Austria (Berlin)
TOP PICKS
Virgil van Dijk (€6.0m)
Individually, Holland seem to peak at centre-back with names like Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Ake and Micky van de Ven. But their star is still van Dijk.
“Our 1st penalty taker used to be Wout Weghorst. In September it was Cody Gakpo. But I have made a choice, Virgil van Dijk is now our 1st penalty taker.” – Ronald Koeman
We’ve already seen him be FPL’s best 2023/24 defender for shots on target (14) and attempts inside the box (41). Once you add that to Koeman’s confirmation that he’ll be taking penalties, his premium price tag is instantly justified.
Denzel Dumfries (€5.5m)
Sticking with the backline, Jeremie Frimpong (€5.5m) currently has a surprisingly high ownership considering Dumfries is likely to remain the first choice.
We’ve already seen the wing-back’s attacking threat in international tournaments, crowned by a goal and two assists against the United States at World Cup 2022. He then set up six more strikes in qualifying.
It’s a similar story at club level, where his four goals and five assists helped Inter win Serie A. If Koeman reveals that Dumfries is indeed his starter, expect a resulting surge in popularity.
Xavi Simons (€7.0m)
Meanwhile, it’s interesting to see 21-year-old Simons be the game’s eighth most-selected midfielder. His 16% ownership comes from some superb RB Leipzig form, grabbing 10 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. Before that, a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven ended with 22 and 12 respectively.
But despite this, he’s yet to score for his country in 13 appearances. Playing as one of two attacking midfielders, this summer would be a great time to break his duck.
ONE TO WATCH
Cody Gakpo (€7.5m)
Looking at slightly riskier picks, Gakpo has the same price as Memphis Depay (€7.5m) and is in decent form.
Three goals from five qualifiers, preceding two assists in March’s friendly with Germany. He also ended his Liverpool season by netting twice in the final three matches.
Some will remember him as the Netherlands’ outstanding World Cup player, scoring three in Qatar. However, the presence of Depay and Wout Weghorst (€6.5m) brings competition and managers may ultimately look elsewhere for their precious three forward spots.
