Not too long ago, the world celebrated the achievements of famed coach Louis van Gaal.
The former Ajax and Barcelona coach led a less fancied Dutch side to the top three spot in world football’s biggest event. The Netherlands were impressive at the 2014 World Cup now the team lays almost in ruins.
The team failed to qualify for the Euro 2016 even as their former coach suffered setbacks at Old Trafford after exiting the team. Maybe the marriage should not have ended?
Memphis Depay eventually moved to the same Old Trafford where his career suffered as he failed to impress. He was key to the team that helped PSV to the Eredivisie in 2014 but he was disappointing in England.
Then 22-year old Bruno Martins who was part of the team is struggling to impress after he moved to FC Porto from Feyenoord; Joel Veltman, who was with Ajax then, is expected to exit the team after their Europa League slump; Jordy Clasie initially struggled upon moving to Southampton but he has been trying under Coach Claude Puel; Daley Blind is yet to establish himself fully at Manchester United; Leroy Fer suffered on loan at Swansea and only just returned to the national team.
There are others like Jasper Cillessen, who currently features in the Copa del Rey for Barcelona despite being the first choice keeper then. Daryl Janmaat struggled to retain his spot at Watford after exiting St James Park.
Some like Georginio Wijnaldum are not doing too bad as the box to box midfielder is trying in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team. Lazio’s Stefan de Vrij is also improving as a defender in the Serie A, as with Feyenoord defender Terence Kongolo.
Many expected the team to grow into something wonderful but if only wishes were horses. Nigel De Jong is finished, the aging winger Arjen Robben is still good for Bayern Munich while Robin van Persie could end his career anytime soon.