Koeman still seeking improvements from Netherlands despite comfortable win

Ronald Koeman was thrilled with the Netherlands’ attitude in their 4-0 victory over Finland, but urged his players to keep improving their work rate ahead of the World Cup.

Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo all scored for the Netherlands in Amsterdam, extending their lead at the top of Group G and taking a big step towards qualifying for next year’s tournament.

The Oranje have now scored at least three goals in three consecutive matches for the first time since September-October 2019, with this their second consecutive 4-0 victory.

The Netherlands were dominant throughout, having also hit the woodwork through Jurrien Timber in a stellar first half.

However, a slower second half left Koeman wanting more from his team.

“From the very first moment, we did everything we could to win the match and score as many goals as possible. It was a shame that the fourth came a bit late,” Koeman said.

“In the first half, you could see that if we got out of position too much, we were less dangerous. Justin [Kluivert] went all the way to the wing a few times, and Ryan [Gravenberch] initially moved from the six-man position all the way to right-back. You shouldn’t do that.

“It’s all about always pushing. If you look at Spain, they’re working themselves to the limit to apply pressure. We’d like to have a moment where we’re just walking. We can still improve in that area.”

Depay, in particular, impressed as he scored his 54th goal for the Netherlands, extending his record at the top of the goalscoring charts, with this one coming from 12 yards, as well as setting up two.

He only had one shot but created three chances (only Gakpo created more – four), and his two assists saw him reach another milestone. He has now set up 35 goals for his nation, more than any other player.

“I’ll probably get a message from him,” Depay said of Wesley Sneijder, whose record he broke on Sunday.

“You hardly see a player like him anymore. He was just as good with his left foot as he was with his right.”