Best EA FC 25 custom tactics for Netherlands

The Netherlands has always remained one of the top-tier powerhouse teams in international football. They are also one of the fan-favorite teams to play in EA FC 25. Currently, the squad is a mix of a few young souls and several experienced players. Hence, using the right custom tactics for the team will make them unstoppable. Led by one of FC 25’s best defenders, Van Dijk, the Oranje boys have performed well and have the potential to lift their first World Cup in 2026.

The Netherlands’ squad has performed consistently since the early days of football. Many legendary Dutch players like Dennis Bergkamp, midfield maestro Johan Cruyff, Rudd Gullit, and Edwin van der Sar have mesmerized football fans with their stellar works of art on the pitch.

We shed some light on the best custom tactics for the Dutch force in EA FC 25.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the author’s opinions

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EA FC 25: Best custom tactics to use for the Netherlands

As mentioned, we will mainly aim to provide the best custom tactics for the Netherlands to ensure a seamless victory in any available modes of EA FC 25. We’ll also mention the best squad and the ideal formation that needs to be used.

EA FC 25: Best squad for the Netherlands

Below is a detailed overview of footballers that’ll be ideal in the Netherlands’ 4-1-2-1-2 formation in EA FC 25:

• Bart Verbruggen (Overall: 76) - GK
• Nathan Ake (Overall: 84) - LB
• Virgil Van Dijk (Overall: 89) - CB
• Matthijs de Ligt (Overall: 84) - CB
• Denzel Dumfries (Overall: 82) - RB
• Jerdy Schouten (Overall: 81) - CDM
• Tijjani Reijnders (Overall: 82) - CM
• Frenkie de Jong (Overall: 87) - CM
• Xavi Simons (Overall: 83) - CAM
• Cody Gakpo (Overall: 83) - ST
• Donyell Malen (Overall: 83) - ST

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EA FC 25: Best formation for the Netherlands

Suitable formation for the Netherlands (Image via EA Sports)

The standard 4-1-2-1-2 Narrow seems to be the optimal formation for the Dutch team. This formation allows Ake and Dumfries to be the only wingbacks. Meanwhile, Simons and Gakpo can be more active as a playmaker to create some chances for Malen. Apart from creating chances, Gakpo will be more active in the defense and fall behind the back line to support the defenders when the opponent is attacking.

On the other hand, Xavi Simons can take Gakpo's place and fill the void in the attack area. In a setup like this, Malen will be the only one who stays upfront to capitalize on the opponent’s defense and can take on those defenders/goalies in a 1v1. De Jong has to be the primary playmaker for this as he’ll be the one building up those attacks from their half. Reijnders will play a slightly defensive role and stay back to help the center backs.

Ake will play as a balanced wingback and can’t go too close to the opponent’s box while Dumfries must exploit his speed and join the attack from the right side with De Jong and Simons. Both the defenders and the goalkeeper will remain neutral in the case. However, in the case of a set piece, Van Dijk must push forward while de Ligt will be the last outfield player to take on the opponent’s forwards.

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EA FC 25: The best custom tactics for the Netherlands

Netherlands' best custom tactics (Image via EA Sports)

You can now experiment with players by changing their player’s role and focus depending on your playstyle, all thanks to the newly introduced FC IQ system. Here are the recommended custom tactics for the Dutch army:

Firstly, select both Build-Up Style and Defensive Approach as Balanced. Since it’s a narrow formation, selecting any attacking or defensive approach might allow the opponent to utilize the wide space and cut inside your penalty box.

Set Cody Gakpo’s Focus as Attack in the Poacher role. Meanwhile, set Donyell Malen to Complete Focus with an Advanced Forward+ role. Xavi Simons will play the Playermaker role with his focus set on Roaming. Both CMs Reijnders and de Jong have slightly different jobs.

While Reijnders will play the Holding role with Focus on Defend, de Jong will join Xavi Simons in the attack with Focus on Attack with a Playmaker++ role. Jerdy Schouten will play the Center Half role with Focus on Defend. Meanwhile, Ake will play the Wingback role with a Balanced focus and Dumfries will be an Attacking Wingback+ with a focus set to Balanced.

Both defenders’ Focus will be set to Defend while Van Dijk will lay the Defender+ role and de Ligt will be the Defender. Lastly, Bart Verbruggen will play the Goalkeeper role with Focus on Defend.

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For more news and updates related to EA’s latest football sim game, check out Sportskeeda’s EA FC 25 page.