Posts Tagged ‘Midfield Battle’
World Cup player to watch - Netherlands
Wesley Sneijder is perhaps the best possible representation of Dutch football. Technically proficient, capable of playing with both feet and versatile, he is a throwback to the golden age of Dutch total football. He is the man who makes the Oranje tick.
Bert van Marwijk’s outfit do not contain any superstars. Robin van Persie is the closest thing to a standout player, but the Arsenal man’s injuries and inconsistency means he has not properly established himself at international level. The Netherlands are a strong all-round team whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
The Dutch know Italy triumphed four years ago with a similar lack of star quality and the side should not be underestimated when making your 2010 World Cup predictions. Sneijder will offer the team an excellent creative outlet and his range of passing and energy in midfield make him the focal point of many attacks. Furthermore, it will be no surprise if he features in the contenders for goal of the tournament - as did he after his stunning volley against Italy at Euro 2008.
Sneijder is known in Netherlands as a dead-ball specialist. He delivers free-kicks with power and accuracy, as Inter Milan fans will testify. Most of his goals in his debut season at the San Siro have come from direct free-kicks.
A veteran of three major tournaments at the age of 25, Sneijder has experience as well as youthful energy. A hot-headed streak still needs to be controlled, but his appetite for a midfield battle shows how well-rounded his game is.
Holland’s FIFA World Cup betting odds make them seventh favourites for the tournament and Sneijder will play a key role in any success they might have. He has steel as well as class, which reflects the strength of the Dutch team. They will be hard to beat in South Africa and with Sneijder on song, they could go far.
Tags: Bert Van Marwijk, Creative Outlet, Debut Season, Dutch Football, Dutch Team, Euro 2008, Fifa World Cup, Fifa World Cup Betting Odds, Free Kicks, Greater Than The Sum, Inter Milan, Midfield Battle, Milan Fans, Robin Van Persie, Standout Player, Star Quality, Wesley Sneijder, World Cup Betting Odds, World Cup Predictions, Youthful Energy