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Netherlands Player Ratings vs Greece: Reijnders and Van Dijk Spark Comeback in Nations League Thriller
Amir Azimi
Power Ranking

Netherlands Player Ratings vs Greece: Reijnders and Van Dijk Spark Comeback in Nations League Thriller

Netherlands Player Ratings After Dramatic 2-2 Draw with Greece

Tijjani Reijnders and Virgil van Dijk played key roles as the Netherlands clawed back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Greece in Thessaloniki during a Nations League match. The Dutch team, managed by Xavi Hernandez, showed two contrasting halves at Stadio Toumbas.

The first half was a struggle, with Greece's direct style causing problems for the visitors. Greece took the lead through Fotis Ioannidis at 23 minutes and doubled their advantage with a goal from Giorgos Masouras just before halftime. Although the Netherlands controlled 71% of possession, they lacked sharpness to break down Greece's defensive setup.

Changes at halftime shifted the game’s momentum. The introduction of Reijnders and Ryan Gravenberch helped the Dutch regain control. Van Dijk scored a powerful header from a corner by Joey Veerman in the 59th minute to spark the comeback. Then, deep into stoppage time, Reijnders fired in the equaliser, securing a vital point for the Netherlands in Group A2.

Goalkeeper & Defense

  • Bart Verbruggen - 5/10: Faced only four shots on target but conceded twice. Some distribution was slowed due to lack of movement ahead.
  • Denzel Dumfries - 6/10: Worked hard on the right flank and attempted to add width. Thought he had equalised but his goal was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check.
  • Jurrien Timber - 5/10: Tried to contribute in midfield overloads but was caught out on counters. Substituted by Gjivai Zechiel in the 78th minute.
  • Virgil van Dijk - 7/10: Led the second-half resurgence with a strong headed goal. His calmness helped steady the defense after a shaky first period.
  • Micky van de Ven - 5/10: Covered well defensively on the left but offered little going forward despite the team's dominance in possession.

Midfield

  • Quinten Timber - 4/10: Struggled in the first half, unable to control the pace or stop Greek transitions. Replaced by Gravenberch at halftime.
  • Joey Veerman - 7/10: The creative engine, assisted Van Dijk’s goal with a precise corner and nearly scored from a free-kick. Kept the midfield moving with 619 passes.
  • Guus Til - 4/10: Operated as number 10 but was largely ineffective against a crowded Greek midfield. Subbed off for tactical reasons.

Attack

  • Crysencio Summerville - 6/10: Most direct attacker early on, won fouls and pressured defenders though final balls were often off-target.
  • Ruben van Bommel - 3/10: Had a poor first half; his backpass led directly to Greece’s second goal. Replaced by Noa Lang at halftime.
  • Mexx Meerdink - 5/10: Brought energy up front but rarely got the service needed to threaten. Substituted by Joshua Zirkzee in the 70th minute.

Substitutes and Manager Impact

  • Tijjani Reijnders - 8/10: Injected urgency and verticality after coming on at halftime. Scored the late equaliser that earned the draw.
  • Ryan Gravenberch - 6/10: Improved ball retention and physical presence in midfield, helping dominate the second half.
  • Noa Lang - 7/10: Added creativity and chaos on the left wing, delivering dangerous crosses and stirring the attack despite a yellow card.
  • Joshua Zirkzee - 7/10: Nearly scored with a powerful header late on and provided the assist for Reijnders’ equaliser.
  • Gjivai Zechiel - 6/10: Showed energy and commitment during his late cameo after entering in the 78th minute.
  • Xavi Hernandez - 7/10: His initial lineup was unbalanced and caught out early, but his triple substitution at halftime changed the dynamic and salvaged a key point.

Match Details

  • Competition: UEFA Nations League A
  • Fixture: Greece vs Netherlands
  • Date: 4 October 2026
  • Venue: Stadio Toumbas, Thessaloniki
  • Final Score: Greece 2 - 2 Netherlands

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