Netherlands Classic XI: Johan Cruyff & Wesley Sneijder Among Oranje Legends
Netherlands have had an enormous impact on world football over the years, from the total football of the 1970s to the Ballon d'Or dominating team of the late 1980s, and along the way Oranje have boasted some of the greatest players to have ever walked the Earth.
It remains a mystery to this day how the Netherlands have won only one major tournament - the 1988 European Championship - and it's fair to say that they're a nation that has never fully lived up to expectation on the international stage in terms of trophies.
Having said this, the footballing maestros and magicians that have donned the Orange jersey from past to present have astounded football fans across the world, and have even re-invented the way we perceive our beautiful game.
Another crop of Dutch superstars are aiming to write their name into Oranje folklore and claim a second major international trophy.
In the meantime, let's take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the greatest XI the Netherlands have ever produced.
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Edwin van der Sar (GK) - The former Manchester United shot-stopper made an astonishing 130 appearances for the national side over a 13-year period, and is the Netherlands' second most-capped player of all time. Van der Sar was the definition of a complete goalkeeper, and appeared in the 2008 Euro Team of the Tournament, after which he hung up his boots and gloves for his country.
Wim Suurbier (RB) - The Ajax legend was a marauding wing-back who featured consistently for the Netherlands in the 70s, playing on the right side of defence. Suurbier was twice a World Cup runner-up in 1974 & 1978, and also helped Oranje to a third place finish at Euro 76.
Ronald Koeman (CB) - The man who will manage the Netherlands at Euro 2020 knows a thing or two about what it means to represent your country. Despite being a centre-back, Koeman bagged 14 goals for Oranje, and was named in the team of the tournament as the Netherlands won the 1988 Euros.
Jaap Stam (CB) - One of the greatest defenders of his era, Stam made his Netherlands debut in 1996, and went on to play 67 times in an eight-year career with Oranje. He just missed out on being a part of the Netherlands' golden generation of the late 80s and early 90s, but was still named Dutch Player of the Year in 1997 due to his commanding defensive performances.
Ruud Krol (LB) - One of the revolutionary attacking full-backs of the 70s, Krol was a technically-gifted defender, who was so good on the ball that he was even used in midfield at international level.
Midfielders
Ruud Gullit (CM) - More than just a luscious head of hair, Gullit remains one of the greatest players to have ever represented the Netherlands, with the 1987 Ballon d'Or winner an integral member of the Oranje's Euro triumph. The former Milan star even scored the opener in the final against the Soviet Union, and was twice named Dutch Footballer of the Year.
Frank Rijkaard (CM) - On this occasion, we will choose to forget about Rijkaard spitting at Rudi Voller and just remember him for the sensationally talented footballer he was. He could play in defence and midfield such was his versatility, and he was another key member of the Oranje's Euro 88 winning team.
Wesley Sneijder (CM) - It may surprise you to discover that Sneijder is the most capped player in Dutch history with a whopping 134 appearances for his country. Euro 2008 was the diminutive midfielder's best tournament, seeing him earn a place in the team of the competition, as well as providing the most assists and winning the award for the best goal.
Johan Cruyff (AM) - The Oranje's greatest ever player (fact), his flair and technical ability unrivalled by almost all footballers that have followed him. Cruyff was the beating heart of the Netherlands' 'Total Football' revolution in the 70s, and scored 33 goals in just 48 international appearances, as well as having an unprecedented impact on the way football was played across the globe.
Forwards
Marco van Basten (ST) - Best remembered for his spectacular volley in the final of Euro 88 from the tightest of angles, helping Oranje past the Soviet Union on their way to their first major trophy. The Milan icon was simply unplayable at his best and scored 24 goals in 58 appearances for the Netherlands.
Dennis Bergkamp (ST) - Nicknamed the 'Non-Flying Dutchman' due to his fear of flying, Bergkamp was one of the most intelligent and powerful players of his generation, and arguably played in a Netherlands team that should have achieved a great deal more than they did in the 90s.