Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen has identified a stylistic divergence between Frenkie de Jong and Spanish midfielder Rodri, suggesting the Dutch international could improve his impact by adopting a more vertical approach. According to Driessen’s comments on the De Telegraaf podcast, Kick-Off, Rodri has established himself as a superior force in international football by prioritizing risk and speed over horizontal possession.
The Evolution of Midfield Play: Rodri vs. De Jong
The critique centers on the tactical identity of the Dutch national team under manager Ronald Koeman. While Koeman has noted the difficulty opponents face when playing against the Netherlands, Driessen argues that the team’s current reliance on safe, lateral passing—personified by De Jong—stifles their adventurous potential. By contrast, Rodri has been recognized by FIFA as the top player in the World Cup, following Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina, and the 2024 European Championship.
Did you know?
Rodri’s recognition as the best player at both the 2024 European Championship and the World Cup marks a feat of consistency in modern international tournament football.
Tactical Risk as a Performance Metric
Driessen emphasizes that while De Jong remains a “great footballer,” his tendency to avoid deep, progressive passing limits the output of the Dutch squad. He posits that the Netherlands, historically known for an adventurous style of play, is currently neutralizing its own strengths. According to the analysis, Rodri serves as a blueprint for the modern defensive midfielder who balances defensive duties with the confidence to take risks that break defensive lines.
Key Performance Indicators for Midfielders
- Verticality: The ability to pass forward into high-value areas rather than maintaining possession laterally.
- Decision Speed: Reducing the time taken to transition from receiving the ball to executing a progressive play.
- Calculated Risk: Integrating forward-thinking maneuvers even under pressure to disrupt the opposition’s defensive structure.
Impact on National Team Philosophy
The core issue highlighted is the disconnect between the Netherlands’ identity and their recent on-field execution. Driessen notes that while the “adventurous” DNA exists within the current squad, it is not being translated into results. By adopting a more aggressive tactical profile—similar to the one Rodri utilizes for Spain—there is potential for the Dutch team to maximize the technical ability of their midfield core.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does Valentijn Driessen criticize Frenkie de Jong’s playstyle?
- Driessen argues that De Jong plays too many horizontal passes and lacks the verticality and risk-taking required to be as effective as world-class peers like Rodri.
- What makes Rodri a benchmark for modern midfielders?
- According to tournament awards, Rodri’s ability to control the pace of the game while simultaneously taking risks to break lines has made him the standout player in recent international competitions.
- Is the Dutch national team’s style changing?
- While Ronald Koeman has emphasized that his team is hard to beat, critics like Driessen suggest the team needs to become more adventurous to reach the next level of international competition.
What are your thoughts on the tactical evolution of the Dutch midfield? Join the conversation in the comments section below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into international football trends.
Related reading