Author Archives: Joe Baker

Why the Netherlands have a chance at World Cup 2022

The usual suspects are being tipped for glory yet the Dutch have crept, gradually and unassumingly, into contention Read more articles here. Is there a better footballing nation never to win a World Cup than the Netherlands? The long relationship between the Oranje and football’s most famous trophy has had more highs and lows than aContinue reading “Why the Netherlands have a chance at World Cup 2022”

The cause of their own problems? Why Ajax may have opened the door to their Eredivisie rivals

Over the years Ajax have been renowned for sustaining success despite selling key players every summer, yet they may have gone too far this transfer window The famous Ajax Amsterdam is known as one of the great footballing institutions because of the abundance of trophies, the European history, and perhaps in contemporary football primarily forContinue reading “The cause of their own problems? Why Ajax may have opened the door to their Eredivisie rivals”

Feyenoord – the sleeping giant that is finally awakening

After many tumultuous years, the famous Rotterdam club looks to be finally back on the right track – no matter what happens in the Europa Conference League Final Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook This season, Feyenoord accomplished something that they hadn’t achieved in two decades – reaching a European Cup final. The inaugural Europa Conference LeagueContinue reading “Feyenoord – the sleeping giant that is finally awakening”

The Netherlands has a striker problem – and it could ruin their World Cup

The countdown to Qatar 2022 is on – yet the Oranje are currently heading there without a recognised centre-forward. What exactly is the problem facing Louis van Gaal? Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook The Netherlands has a rich history of world-class strikers – from Robin van Persie to Ruud van Nistelrooy, Patrick Kluivert, Dennis Bergkamp and MarcoContinue reading “The Netherlands has a striker problem – and it could ruin their World Cup”

The January Eredivisie deals you should know about

Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Read more articles here Last summer we provided a summary of some of the most notable moves away from the Eredivisie but this time, following the January transfer window and with so much still on the line in an exciting season, we look at the most significant moves to sides within theContinue reading “The January Eredivisie deals you should know about”

Sven Botman – an appraisal

Read more Oranje articles here As you may have guessed from the title, this is very much a positive piece. And keeping that in mind, you’ll understand why it will therefore include several zestful statements. Therefore it makes sense to start with one… If Sven Botman was playing for one of the so-called ‘big clubs’, ratherContinue reading “Sven Botman – an appraisal”

Eredivisie 2021/22 – the mid-season report

Header photo: SciSports Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Read more articles here Following the interruptions of 2020, football has been running at full pelt in 2021, the intensity turned up to high and the matches coming at us thick and fast. Unlike in the Premier League, the Dutch Eredivisie takes a breather over the winter withContinue reading “Eredivisie 2021/22 – the mid-season report”

Haller and Ajax – the perfect fit

After failing to deliver with West Ham United, Sébastien Haller is thriving with Ajax – where has his form come from? Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook When West Ham United made Sébastien Haller their most expensive ever signing in July 2019, the red carpet was rolled out to welcome the exciting new €50m signing from EintrachtContinue reading “Haller and Ajax – the perfect fit”

Bedankt en tot ziens – 7 big moves away from the Eredivisie in the summer transfer window

What were the most notable departures from the top division of Dutch football over the summer? (Photo Credit: AD.nl) Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook The 2021 summer transfer window was one of the most remarkable in history, with twists and turns that no one saw coming, right up until the final deadline. Yet one thing remainedContinue reading “Bedankt en tot ziens – 7 big moves away from the Eredivisie in the summer transfer window”

Why the departure of Lionel Messi could be the making of Memphis Depay

The shoes of Messi will never be filled. Yet Memphis Depay has never been interested in even removing his own. Here’s why he could still thrive at Barcelona… (Photo credit: FC Barcelona) Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook You have to feel a little sorry for Memphis Depay. In fact, you could be for all of theContinue reading “Why the departure of Lionel Messi could be the making of Memphis Depay”

The Netherlands and Euro 2020 – what went wrong?

The 2020 European Championships were delayed a year but were well worth the wait. Not, however, if you were a supporter of the Netherlands. After such a great start, why did it all so quickly unravel for the Dutch? Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook As fans of the likes of Italy, England and Spain start toContinue reading “The Netherlands and Euro 2020 – what went wrong?”

Euro 2020: Netherlands v North Macedonia – the key takeaways

The Netherlands finished Group C with a flourish, defeating North Macedonia 3-0 to secure a third win from three games. What are the main insights to take from the performance?  Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Click here to read our review of Netherlands v Austria Click here to read our review of Netherlands v Ukraine ItContinue reading “Euro 2020: Netherlands v North Macedonia – the key takeaways”

Euro 2020: Netherlands v Austria – the key takeaways

The Netherlands are through to the second-round with a game to spare – what were the key talking points from their latest win against Austria?  Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Click here to read our review of Netherlands v Ukraine Well, that wasn’t too bad was it? Two games, two wins and despite all of theContinue reading “Euro 2020: Netherlands v Austria – the key takeaways”

Euro 2020: Netherlands v Ukraine – what we learnt

What were the key talking points for the Netherland’s after their 3-2 win? Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook If the Netherlands’ opening game of Euro 2020 was the first you have seen of the Oranje since their last tournament seven years ago, you’d naturally assume the end-to-end attacking style is the default approach for Frank deContinue reading “Euro 2020: Netherlands v Ukraine – what we learnt”

Fantastic Five – the young Dutch stars to watch at Euro 2020

The Netherlands are back at a major tournament for the first time since 2014. Who are the lesser known stars who could light up the tournament for the Oranje as they look to emulate the European Champions of 1988?  Remember to follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook It is natural that when an international tournament squad isContinue reading “Fantastic Five – the young Dutch stars to watch at Euro 2020”

The clock is ticking for Nathan Aké

His team could end up with a treble but it has been a debut season to forget for Manchester City’s Dutch defender Keep updated on new articles and Dutch football by following The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook On the surface, things look pretty good right now for Dutch centre-half Nathan Aké. He plays for one of theContinue reading “The clock is ticking for Nathan Aké”

One of the world’s best – all you need to know about the Netherlands Women’s International team

After a recent period of success, and with several major trophies to challenge for in the coming seasons, it is an extremely exciting period for fans of the ‘Leeuwinnen‘ Keep updated on new articles by following The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook At present, the Netherlands has one of the best international football teams in the world –Continue reading “One of the world’s best – all you need to know about the Netherlands Women’s International team”

What to look out for in the Eredivisie run-in

Lead Photo Credit: Eredivisie Keep updated on new articles by following The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook It has been nearly two years since the last winner of the Eredivisie. The Dutch top flight was the first major European football league to cancel its season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis, meaning no champion for the firstContinue reading “What to look out for in the Eredivisie run-in”

Why the Netherlands can win Euro 2020

They may be missing Virgil van Dijk but there are several reasons why Holland can emulate the triumphant European Championship winners of 1988 Keep updated on new articles by following The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook An international tournament just doesn’t feel right without the Netherlands. From the bright orange kits to the equally vibrant fans and theContinue reading “Why the Netherlands can win Euro 2020”

Past, present and future – the parallel paths of Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt

Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook There are two young Dutch footballers, respectively only 23 and 21 years of age, who already hold a great weight of expectation on their shoulders for club and country, now and for many years to come. One is a commanding centre half, the other a classy ball playing central midfielder. TheyContinue reading “Past, present and future – the parallel paths of Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt”

One to watch – Joey Veerman, the heartbeat of Heerenveen

“That boy gives balls that you do not expect…It is not a matter of seeing, but feeling where your fellow players are. Veerman has that feeling.” “When he touches the ball, something special always comes out of his feet.” “I really think he is the best player in the Eredivisie. Football players such as VeermanContinue reading “One to watch – Joey Veerman, the heartbeat of Heerenveen”

Great expectations, harsh reality – seven Dutch players who failed to deliver in the Premier League

From Memphis Depay to the infamous Winston Bogarde, some notable former Eredivisie players surprisingly struggled in England Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Over the years there has been a magnificent abundance of Dutch players who have graced the Premier League after previously playing in the Eredivisie. Their influence is woven into the rich tapestry of differentContinue reading “Great expectations, harsh reality – seven Dutch players who failed to deliver in the Premier League”

The challengers from the East – Vitesse Arnhem

After the best start in their 128-year history, unheralded Vitesse Arnhem had been challenging for a first ever League title and could still upset the Dutch powerhouses by securing Champions League qualification for the first time Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Due to the combination of a hectic schedule, little pre-season andContinue reading “The challengers from the East – Vitesse Arnhem”

The unravelling of Morrison and ADO Den Haag

The career of Ravel Morrison took another disappointing backward step when he was released by Dutch Eredivisie side ADO Den Haag – where did it all go wrong?  Follow The Oranje on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Be honest, readers – how many of you were aware that Ravel Morrison, once labelled as the future ofContinue reading “The unravelling of Morrison and ADO Den Haag”

The Eredivisie 2020/21 – five talking points so far

This season’s Dutch Eredivisie is shaping up to be an exciting one – here we take a look at some of the most notable stories as it reaches its midpoint Much of our contemporary domestic footballing focus is fixated on the English Premier League, the Spanish La Liga and the Italian Serie A. This meansContinue reading “The Eredivisie 2020/21 – five talking points so far”

How to solve a problem like van Dijk

With the re-scheduled European Championships on the horizon, how can the Netherlands cope without their inspirational captain? On the 17th October 2020, the footballing world went into meltdown. One of the game’s finest defenders, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, suffered a nasty, season-ending knee injury due to a reckless challenge in a Premier League derby againstContinue reading “How to solve a problem like van Dijk”