How Jonker is restoring "Total Football" with Netherlands Women.
The tactics Andries Jonker is deploying to shake up the 2025 Women's Euros.
The ‘Group of Death’ tag maintains an unquestionable allure about it. Born naturally from the structure of tournament football, a ‘Group of Death’ is an inevitable by-product of competition formats that compress elite talent into small, intense groups, creating high-stakes matchups from the outset. They’re exciting, intense and always end up in upset and tragedy.
As Euro 2025 approaches, the Netherlands has been drawn into one of the tournament’s most fiercely competitive pools—Group D—where they will face off against some of Europe’s elite: England, the reigning Euro Champions, France, and Wales. This competition’s ‘Group of Death’ will rightfully hold the attention of many as it is bound to showcase the high levels of talent as well as tactical sophistication on the touchline and technical skills displayed on the pitch.
For the Oranje Leeuwinnen, former European champions in 2017 and perennial contenders on the continental stage, this group represents both a challenge and an opportunity to reaffirm their status among the elite of women’s football.
Historically, the Netherlands have oscillated between moments of brilliance and periods of inconsistency, and this past international window from 2023 to 2025 has been no exception. The Netherlands’ placement in this group signals a major challenge and despite their status as one of Europe’s most technically gifted sides, recent dips in form and injury concerns marks underwhelming performances and results. The Dutch have only 2 wins against top 20 FIFA ranked opposition in the last year (Austria, Ranked 19th as of June 2025), in and amongst a run of form in the past year that has seen the team fluctuate between a 7 game undefeated run of form in mid-late 2024 to then an inconsistent 2025, highlighted by a disappointing 2025 Nations League campaign.
Group D’s line-up represents the height and strength of European women’s football. England, the 2022 European champions, bring a physically intense, high-press style led by some of the game’s most experienced and well known talents, many of which coming off the back of successful domestic campaigns, whether that be Chelsea’s domestic treble or Arsenal's Champions League success. France, despite their perennial semi-finalist status, are ranked among the world’s top sides and offer technical brilliance, combined with versatile attacking options, tactical evolution and a killer run of form coming into the tournament, reaching the final of the 2023/24 Nations League final and currently on a 6-game winning streak under new coach Laurent Bonadei. Wales, the spirited underdogs in the group, have demonstrated significant improvements in recent years upsetting 2023 World Cup Qualified Ireland, led by their evergreen legend, Jess Fishlock who is simultaneously their tactical compass and emotional leader.
TACTICS
Since his appointment as head coach in late 2023, Andries Jonker has worked to re-establish a Dutch identity rooted in possession, fluidity and pressing intensity. A firm believer in the principles of Total Football, Jonker emphasizes positional play (positiespel), dynamic pressing triggers and rapid transitions. His tactical blueprint primarily revolves around a flexible but primarily attacking 4-3-3 formation, which encourages interchange between midfielders and wingers to overload specific zones and create numerical superiority as well as the deployment of attacking fullbacks to overload high and wide areas. The Dutch build-up play is methodical and patient, often initiating from the back with short, controlled passes to establish territorial dominance through midfield rotations. Off the ball, the Netherlands drop into a mid-block defensive shape, with midfielders closing down passing lanes and the back line staying compact to reduce the threat of vertical penetration or balls played in behind. When possession is lost, the team employs an aggressive high press, applying immediate pressure on the ball carrier to either regain possession quickly or force hurried clearances. This results in an attacking structure that is highly clinical and efficient with the fullbacks and wingers stretching opposing defences and opening pockets of space for midfield runners or central forwards to exploit, particularly effectively on the counter or during high possession, final third pressure periods in game.
The Netherlands’ build-up to Euro 2025 presents a fascinating duality: a side capable of immense attacking output; but still grappling with consistency and defensive cohesion against elite-level opposition. Their recent match history paints a picture of a team whose tactical potential and player quality remain high, but who, under pressure, can reveal structural vulnerabilities.
FRIENDLIES-FORM
The Netherlands Run of Form over the last 12 months
The eye-catching 15–0 thrashing of Indonesia in October 2024 may have astonished those logging into Fotmob the morning after the match, but in many ways, it was a misleading barometer of the team’s current form. Indonesia’s FIFA ranking (95th) and relative lack of competitive experience, meant the match offered limited tactical insight. It did, however, illustrate a critical aspect of Andries Jonker’s philosophy: when afforded time and space, the Dutch can be ruthless. This match saw the Dutch deploy an aggressively attacking 4-3-3 to 3-2-5 formation, as key striker and most in form player coming into the upcoming tournament, Lineth Beerensteyn netting four goals, while young-guns, Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts, each registered multiple goal contributions. Besides the bloated scoreline, more crucially, the game showcased the Netherlands’ emphasis on wide overloads and third-player combinations, with attacking fullbacks like Lynn Wilms and Kerstin Casparij delivering quality service from the flanks. Still, this match was more a display of the Oranje’s ceiling against weaker opposition than a test of tournament readiness.
Possession dominance, constant threats on goal and Sustained pressure trapped Indonesia in their own half as the constant shifting of roles—wingers interchanging, midfielders pushing forward, and full-backs held their width, keeping the attack unpredictable and overloaded key zones.
Wins against Denmark (2–1) and China (4–1) demonstrated more balanced performances. Both nations are technically proficient but lack the individual firepower of the top teams the Netherlands will face in their group matchups. In the match against Denmark, the Netherlands took an early lead and went onto dominate throughout, as Jonker's side employed a fluid 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing quick transitions and positional play. The midfield trio, particularly Lyon’s Damaris Egurrola, played a pivotal role in controlling the game's tempo and facilitating forward movements, with early goals a testament to the team's ability to exploit spaces and execute swift attacking sequences.
Against China, the Dutch pressed high and suffocated build-up, forcing turnovers that led to three of their four goals. This match typified their pressing triggers as the central forward locks onto the centre-back while a midfielder steps up to intercept the passing lane to the pivot. For example, the utility of midfielders like Roord and Egurrola, who can shift gears between defensive control and attacking was a tactical triumph that showed the upside of Jonker’s aggressive off-ball setup, especially when the opponent lacks press-resistance.
This graph illustrates the intensity of pressure during a match. The Dutch maintained a period of high pressure throughout, reflected in their scoreline. Dominant throughout, the pressure on the Chinese Defence finally broke the flood-gates as 4 goals within a span of less than 20 mins secured a comfortable win.
Despite convincing performances and results against significantly tougher opposition, both Denmark and China rarely tested the Dutch defence at the pace or precision they will face at the Euros and partially in the group stages against dynamic, fast and precise attacks.
Before the 2025 Nations League fixtures, The Oranje Leeuwinnen would find themselves in an infamously high-intense fixture, this time a friendly, against intercontinental rivals the USA, who had just come off the back of their successful 2024 campaign under new coach Emma Hayes, who at that stage, had a 15 game undefeated run, going onto 16 at the conclusion of their match. In this December 3, 2024, friendly, the Netherlands showcased much of the tactical identity being refined under Andries Jonker: aggressive pressing, fluid positional rotations and a commitment to possession-oriented football. Lining up in their characteristic 4-3-3, the Oranje Leeuwinnen controlled the tempo for large stretches of the first half, pinning the USWNT back with a coordinated high press and swift ball circulation, particularly down the right flank.
Jonker’s midfield trio played a central role—often rotating into asymmetrical shapes to open passing lanes and overload the U.S. double pivot. This structure allowed the Dutch to generate 22 shots across the match, with their best phases coming in the opening 30 minutes, where they exploited transitional gaps behind the U.S. fullbacks. PSV loanee from Chelsea, 19 year old Veerle Buurman’s opening goal, exemplified Jonker’s emphasis on pressing in waves and capitalizing on second balls; the Netherlands won possession high up the pitch before progressing quickly into the box.
First-Half Statistics reflecting the Netherlands initial control and aggressive attacking posture (see: Passes and Entrances into Final Third). Crosses and Total shots heavily outweigh that of their opponents, whilst simultaneously keeping the US’s attack to a minimum, with their high press and high line catching the American attack offside and unable to create notable goal scoring opportunities outside of an unforced error leading to an own goal.
However, despite their structural discipline in the first half, pressure intensified from a revitalized US team in the second half. Defence cracks emerged and the U.S. began to bypass the press with longer passes and targeted balls in behind, exposing a slightly high defensive line that lacked cover from the No. 6. The Dutch back line, while comfortable in possession, at times struggled with direct runners and Buurman's own goal just before halftime reflected the mounting pressure from the U.S., wide rotations and second-phase balls.
The U.S. demonstrated tactical adaptability that ultimately turned the tie in the second half with the Dutch struggling to regain their rhythm after Hayes’ U.S. side adjusted by condensing space in midfield and pressing more effectively in their own right, which disrupted the Dutch tempo and forced rushed decisions in build-up play. Mid-game tactical shifts in play are likely to be reflected against the equally astute teams in Group B, which may challenge this Dutch side's ability to adapt mid-game against tough opposition. In the second half, as Jonker's side pushed for a winner, they became vulnerable to counter-attacks—a tactical gamble that ultimately cost them when Yazmeen Ryan broke through and fed Lynn Williams for the decisive goal.
Second-Half statistics showed equalling in statistics across the board, as the US fought back into the game after tactical shift, whilst the Netherlands sought to maintain dominance and capitalise on their statistical advantage from the First-Half.
Second-Half passing stats. also indicate the Dutch, as the game wore on, enabled the U.S to dominate more of the possession then they previously had and as a result, make clinical passes from midfield into the final third. The US attack predominantly sought to expose the Dutch in wide areas, with both full-backs pushing high to support the attack, the space left behind them became exposed in transitions. Teams, like the U.S that can quickly switch play or exploit the channels behind the full-backs often find joy against the Netherlands.
Despite the loss, the Netherlands’ performance was a strong representation of Jonker’s structured yet fluid, aggressive possession and pressing tactics. However, the Dutch side, still susceptible to transitional moments and individual errors, would see teams in a competitive environment capitalise, as seen in the teams 2025 Nations League form.
NATIONS-LEAGUE 2025
Across their two Nations League matches against Germany in early to mid-2025, the Oranje Leeuwinnen displayed simultaneously the ability to attack proficiently, utilising their strength and efficiency in the final third when needing to seize control of games, whilst also exposing their over-reliance on proven goalscorers, indicating a lack of wholesale attacking impetus from forward players. Tactical promise was evident as Jonker’s substitutions once again proved vital and game changing. However, concerning inconsistency and defence fragility overwhelmingly clouds the two fixtures - arguably their most important coming into Euro 25’.
In the first match, a 2–2 draw in the Dutch city of Breda, the Netherlands deployed their attacking-first philosophy, operating primarily in their 4-3-3 formation, the Netherlands maintained 52% possession and registered 9 shots, with 4 on target as their continued employment of the intense-pressing tactics facilitating quick transitions and effective wing play. Substitute, Chasity Grant, particularly benefited from this tactical move, as her consistent challenging of the German defence in the half spaces between the CB and FB, seeing her immediate impact be rewarded with an effective cross into the box, which met Beerensteyn for the equaliser. However, the Dutch conceded control too easily in possession, particularly in the midfield which allowed Germany to exploit spaces and create scoring opportunities. This was massively exploited in the return fixture, which was also the Netherlands’ final competitive match before the upcoming Euros.
In the reverse fixture, a damning 4-0 result underscored the tactical and structural challenges when facing up against elite opposition, as the Dutch struggled to contain Germany's dynamic attack, with their defensive line frequently exposed. Absent of their top goal scorer and highest rated in the tournament, the forward line without Linith Beerensteyn offensively, were limited and creatively stunted in the final third, which was reflected in their mere 2 shots on target. Statistics indicate challenges in breaking through Germany's organized defence, as well as the Dutch midfield struggling to establish control, leading to a lack of cohesion between defence and attack.
Show-Map from Germany's Goalscorers shows players occupied wide areas and dangerous
areas in and around Penalty-Box, particularly centrally. This indicates Germany’s high,
attacking pressure, identifying the Netherlands defensive weak-spots.
Attacking statistics favour Germany, as lack of clinical final third play including low shots on
target ratio to total shots as well as effective time in the penalty box reflects the Netherlands
inability to affect the scoreline.
This disconnect allowed Germany to dominate the tempo and exploit spaces effectively. The Dutch midfield was unable to break Germany’s rhythm, struggling in 50–50 duels and second-ball situations, frequently outpaced and positioned too deep to initiate transitions. The Dutch were stifled early in their build-up. Although they retained some control in the central third, they failed to convert possession into territorial gain. Their midfield was repeatedly broken up, forcing lateral or backward passes.
It illustrates how Germany’s pressing system disrupted Dutch progression and denied them access to high-value areas. Individually, Dominique Janssen emerged as a rare bright spot. She notably made a goal-saving clearance to deny Schüller’s near tap-in, before Germany’s second goal. Nevertheless, she was often left isolated as Germany dominated both pace and width. Other defenders—such as Kerstin Casparij and Esme Brugts, were unable to stifle Germany’s fluid attacking rotations, resulting in sustained pressure and poor Dutch build-up play. Ultimately, The Netherlands were reactive, not proactive. They were drawn deep, lacked the defensive structure to contain Germany’s rotations and failed to engage their wingers or fullbacks effectively in transition.
The Dutch were confined to non-threatening midfield zones, while Germany executed a clear, effective attacking plan, dominating territory, stretching play on the flanks, and creating inside channels. It reaffirms how one side's structure collapsed under pressure while the other thrived in space.
Germany’s attack map confirms the eye test and match result—they were fluid, direct, and precise. Their right-sided attacks created overloads and crossing chances, while central runs exploited gaps in the Dutch backline.
Symbolically, this match served as a warning for The Netherlands before Euro 2025 as their final high‑level stress-test. The result underlined deficiencies in defensive structure, midfield cohesion and mental resilience under intense opposition. A 4–0 defeat, not just in scoreline but in performance and territorial control, exposes serious structural and tactical concerns for Andries Jonker’s side. The Dutch were pinned back, unable to escape their own half for large stretches and created zero shots on target—a glaring red flag for a team that prides itself on attacking football. The contrast in the heatmaps paints a grim picture: Germany dominated the final third, while The Netherlands barely touched theirs. For a side that hopes to contend in a group featuring England and France, this defeat isn't just a bad night—it’s a strategic and psychological setback. The lack of attacking width, central cohesion and defensive solidity, suggests the Dutch still lack the balance, resilience and sharpness needed to compete at the highest level. If this is the final dress rehearsal before the Euros, the Oranje Leeuwinnen leave the stage looking disjointed, blunt and worryingly off-pace.
Whereas the Netherlands' games against the Germans reflects a similar match-up they will face in the group stages against the likes of England and France, their recent double-header against Scotland may hold the most tactical relevance ahead of their meeting with ultimate underdog in Wales.
The two April 2024 Nations league ties; A narrow 2–1 win and a frustrating 1–1 draw, were not just physical tests, but mental ones, forcing the Dutch to grapple with the demands of breaking down compact, resilient opposition content to sit deep and frustrate.
In the first match, the Oranje struggled to impose themselves early against the Scot’s. Despite controlling 73% of possession and attempting 588 passes to Scotland’s 217, the hosts found themselves level after Claire Emslie punished a moment of defensive indecision from the stalwart Dutch defence. Although Romee Leuchter rescued the win late on, the 2–1 scoreline felt underwhelming for a side that managed 19 shots, but just 5 on target. The tempo felt passive at times, with many of the Dutch attacks driven into congested wide areas, leading to crosses rather than incisive through balls. This was particularly evident in the performance of Victoria Pelova, who despite her technical quality, often found her angles cut off by Scotland’s narrow midfield block. The final-third entries lacked variety, and the match served as a reminder that possession without penetration is a dangerous trap.
The second game, played in Scotland, further underlined those concerns. This time, the Dutch once again had the lion’s share of the ball and outshot the hosts 17 to 9, but were held to a 1–1 draw. The Netherlands completed nearly three times as many passes as Scotland, but struggled to translate that dominance into consistent goal threat. After the match, Dutch manager Andries Jonker remarked: “We must learn to be more ruthless in games like this. We created enough to win — but lacked sharpness at key moments.” The concern for the Netherlands lies in how laboured they often looked in breaking down these rigid defensive units. In the match, they registered 17 shots but only 4 on target, with much of their play funnelling into predictable wide areas. Dutch midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk admitted post-match: “We weren’t patient enough. We kept crossing too early, instead of waiting for the right moment.”
These performances mirror a recurring issue: the Dutch sometimes falter when expected to dictate tempo and unlock low blocks. Their creative playmakers like Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts have flair, but can be stifled without quick ball circulation or forward runners dragging defenders out of position. Against Wales — a team known for collective discipline, rather than individual brilliance — the threat lies not in being outplayed, but in being outlasted. If the Dutch fail to find early rhythm, they risk a repeat of the same frustrating patterns that nearly cost them against Scotland.
The parallels with Wales are unavoidable. Like Scotland, Wales are defensively disciplined, well-organised, and likely to approach the game with a low block and counter-attacking intent. Against such opposition, the Netherlands must prove they’ve learned from their Nations league fixtures, not just by dominating the ball, but by executing with urgency, precision, and variety. Otherwise, as was the case in their Scottish stumbles, they risk being drawn into attritional football where frustration and fatigue become their fiercest opponents.
KEY PLAYERS:
Lineth Beerensteyn: Pace, Power and Presentation
Lineth Beerensteyn has emerged as one of the Netherlands' most decisive and dynamic attackers heading into Euro 2025, combining lethal finishing, explosive pace, and tactical versatility. Since her move to VfL Wolfsburg in July 2024, Beerensteyn has been in blistering form, scoring 17 goals in just 20 Frauen-Bundesliga appearances, a rate of 1.01 goals per 90 minutes, which saw her win the Frauen-Bundesliga’s golden boot in the 2024/25 season. Her performances have elevated her status as one of Europe's most clinical forwards and on the international stage, she has continued this momentum, netting three goals across six appearances in Euro 2025 qualifiers, making her one of the Netherlands’ top scorers this calendar year. As a result, Beerensteyn’s impact is statistically and tactically undeniable.
Her importance to the Dutch setup extends beyond goal returns. Beerensteyn offers tactical flexibility; Comfortable on either wing or centrally making her an asset in Andries Jonker’s fluid 4-3-3 system and her ability to exploit half-spaces and time her runs behind defensive lines gives the Netherlands a vertical threat that complements their possession-heavy structure. With Vivianne Miedema’s minutes still being carefully managed post-injury, Beerensteyn has stepped up as the primary source of attacking impetus. At 28 years old and boasting over 114 caps with nearly 40 international goals, she brings invaluable experience, composure, and leadership to a side navigating a Group D campaign that will need the Netherlands to be able to get on the scoresheet consistently .
Heading into the tournament, Beerensteyn is not just in form, she is arguably in her prime. Whether starting wide or centrally, she is likely to be the Oranje’s most reliable offensive outlet. No question about it, if the Netherlands are to progress deep into the Euros, Lineth Beerensteyn will be at the heart of it.
Jill Roord: The Midfield Architect
Jill Roord has been the linchpin of the Dutch midfield in 2025, and is arguably the Netherlands most dynamic and influential players. In the 2024/25 season with Manchester City, she had made 19 league appearances, scoring 5 goals (0.35 goals per 90 minutes) and providing 3 assists, totaling eight goal contributions. Beyond scoring, Roord’s passing game is amongst the best in Europe with over 30 WSL appearances, she achieved an exceptional 89.6% pass completion rate, amassed 1,125 completed passes, and created an average of 1.2 chances per game, showcasing her ability to control play and unlock defences . Her 46 tackles in those games (1.5 per match) underline her effectiveness as a two-way midfielder.
Internationally, Roord brings tactical intelligence to her box-to-box midfield role, exemplified during the Netherlands’ 1–1 draw with Scotland, where she emphasized the team’s readiness to recharge and elevate their performances. With over 107 caps and 30 goals, her experience and durability (zero bookings reported in domestic campaigns) make her a steady presence on the pitch . At Euro 2025, she is essential in orchestrating the midfield trio, linking defence to attack, and providing goal-scoring support—a role even more significant given the fitness management of fellow midfielders like van de Donk. Roord’s tactical versatility allows her to shift between creative and defensive duties seamlessly, offering flexibility in Jonker’s evolving formations. As a midfielder who can press energetically, recover possession, and thread incisive passes, she embodies the Dutch identity of fluid positional play. Heading into the tournament, Jill Roord is arguably the Oranje’s most reliable engine and creative fulcrum—a player around whom their midfield balance and attacking rhythm will hinge.
Daphne van Domselaar: Security between the Sticks
Daphne van Domselaar's presence in goal has been a game-changer for the Oranje Leeuwinnen. As of the 2024–25 season, Van Domselaar has made 104 league appearances for her WSL side Arsenal, maintaining an average of 0.77 goals conceded per 90 minutes and a save percentage of 69.9%. This includes her immense performance in the women's champions league final where she kept a clean sheet against the imperious Barcelona to help secure Arsenal Champions League glory. For the national team, the Netherlands has conceded just 0.57 goals per 90 minutes (42 shots faced, 27 on target, 81 % save rate) and secured multiple clean sheets with van Domselaar between the sticks. In contrast, the Netherlands have averaged 1.6 goals conceded per match in 2025, when Van Domselaar has been injured, "The Netherlands’ goal concessions increase when she isn't on the pitch."
When Van Domselaar is fit, the team looks and on paper is more secure playing their high-possession, high-press system. Commanding the area confidently, winning aerial duels, and organising defenders with vocal authority. Her reliable shot-stopping and calm distribution allow full-backs to push forward without fear and defensive midfielders to focus on pressing. Conversely, when Tottenham Hotspurs keeper Lize Kop fill in for an injured Van Domselaar, such as during Van Domselaar’s April absence—the team has shown structural caution. Even before the introduction of Van Domselaar, The Netherlands hadn't conceded 4 goals in a match since their 5-1 defeat to England in June 24, 2022. Unsurprisingly, that was about 15 days before Daphne van Domselaar became a starter for the national team. Although Kop impresses with her agility and club pedigree, she brings less presence in aerial scenarios and slower tempo in initiating play from the back- factors that often force Jonker to adopt a more conservative defensive setup. Her presence empowers the Dutch to continue their aggressive, attacking blueprint. Kop provides solid cover, but without the same commanding influence, the team tends to retreat into a more pragmatic style when she plays. Van Domselaar’s superior shot-stopping, aerial dominance, and distribution make her the clear first choice and a vital cog to this Dutch machine.
Vivianne Miedema: The Hero for Holland
Vivianne Miedema's significance to the Netherlands women's national team in 2025 cannot be overstated. Despite enduring a challenging period marked by multiple knee surgeries and various injury setbacks have seen her unable to get a consistent run of form. Outside of the early months of the 2024–25 season, before her knee surgery in October 2024, injuries have hindered her ability to maintain a steady presence on the pitch, underscoring the importance of her full recovery ahead of Euro 2025.
Despite her minimal appearances in the 2024/25 season, Miedema demonstrated a remarkable return to form after every comeback. Her move up north from Arsenal to Manchester City in the Women's Super League (WSL) has seen her net seven goals in 11 appearances, averaging a goal every 101 minutes. It is no coincidence her performances coincided with City's early strong league campaign, as her impact on the pitch was instrumental to what was a City team that looked destined to challenge in the WSL.
However, her journey was not without setbacks. In April 2025, Miedema suffered a hamstring injury during a UEFA Nations League match against Austria, casting doubt on her availability for the upcoming European Championship . Despite this, she remains optimistic about her recovery and aims to be fit for Euro 2025
Sporadic form yet consistently playing at a high quality when on the park, Miedema both domestically and internationally has shown her quality.
The Netherlands' form with and without Miedema reflects her importance to the team. While emerging talents like Esmee Brugts and established attacking threats Lineth Beerensteyn have shown promise, Miedema's experience and clinical finishing are unparalleled. Her presence in the squad provides a tactical advantage, offering versatility in attack and a proven goal-scoring threat. In preparing for Euro 2025, Miedema's leadership and experience will be pivotal and her tournament experience and innate talent makes her an indispensable asset. With the tournament approaching, the Netherlands will be hopeful for her full recovery, recognizing that her contributions could be the key to their success on the European stage.
Romée Leuchter: A New Hope
Romée Leuchter has rapidly emerged as a pivotal figure for the Netherlands women's national team, particularly as they approach the UEFA Women's Euro 2025. Her journey from the Eredivisie to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2024 marked a significant step in her career, noticeably coinciding with the Dutch Teams era of regeneration. At PSG, Leuchter has demonstrated exceptional form. Her impressive goal-scoring rate of 0.66 goals per 90 minutes underscores her efficiency and clinical finishing, ending the season as PSG’s second top goalscorer, scoring 9 goals and providing 4 assists in 20 matches during the 2024–2025 season across all competitions in France.
Since the injuries of Vivienne Miedema in particular, Leuchter's presence in the Netherlands' international fixtures has been rushed, if not premature. Leuchter has featured sporadically in the Dutch squad throughout 2025, appearing in three Nations League fixtures but failing to register a single goal or assist across 199 minutes of play. While her movement and pressing are often praised, the lack of end product has become a concern, particularly for a player being positioned as a central piece of the Netherlands’ attacking plan. With the absence of consistent scoring threats since Vivianne Miedema’s injury struggles, Leuchter is expected to shoulder more responsibility. But whether she can fill that void remains uncertain.
Her role at the Euros is not just to be present in the final third but to be decisive. For a team that has struggled with attacking fluency over the last year—averaging under 1.3 goals per game in recent fixtures—Leuchter will be under pressure to deliver. She needs to do more than just make runs or link up play; she needs to finish chances and create opportunities when others can’t. The Euros will test her composure under pressure and her ability to influence games when it matters most.
In many ways, Leuchter is still being moulded into the international forward the Netherlands needs. But with the tournament fast approaching, there’s little time left for learning curves. If she can’t step up, the team risks looking toothless in the knockout stages. As it stands, Leuchter’s promise remains just that—promise. Her ability to stretch defences, create space for teammates, and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be vital and her partnership with players like Jill Roord and Esmee Brugts will be key in breaking down opposition defences. We have seen breakout stars in recent international tournaments for the Dutch team, most notably that of Barcelona full back Esme Brugts at the last World Cup. This Euros will be her chance to either confirm herself as a legitimate successor to Miedema’s legacy or highlight the ongoing void in the Dutch number 9 spot.
For a side that once stood confidently at the summit of European women’s football, their entry into Euro 2025’s most competitive group feels more like a reckoning than a coronation. Euro 25’s ‘Group of Death’ is less a platform for the Netherlands to reclaim lost dominance than a crucible that will test the limits of their evolution, pitting them against old foes, sleeping giants and true underdogs. As Jill Roord puts it in a recent interview with The Guardian, ““It is a bit unlucky to get a group like [Group D]... If we want to get far, we have to beat these teams.”
Andries Jonker’s tactical vision is clear: a return to the core Dutch principles ‘total football’. However, the team’s recent inconsistency, structural vulnerabilities, and reliance on a few standout individuals expose cracks beneath that attractive footballing philosophy. A team in transition during the most competitive era of women's football, the Netherlands can leave no room for error and even less for complacency.
This tournament will not only test their tactical maturity, but also their psychological resilience. The emphatic 4–0 defeat to Germany was a sobering reminder that style alone is not enough at this level. Players like Lineth Beerensteyn and Jill Roord bring undeniable quality and leadership, but questions remain around the supporting cast, the depth of conviction in their structure, and the ability to adapt.
All eyes may be on the star players, but Jonker, in his last tournament with the national team, and his style are equally under the microscope as he seeks to rediscover the fearlessness that defined their 2017 title run. In a group predominantly filled with European heavyweights and teams seeking to establish themselves in this tournament, there will be no easy outs. Can the Netherlands reassert themselves among Europe’s elite or will Euro 2025 mark not the end of a tournament, but a fading of an era once golden.
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