How Netherlands star Daley Blind tormented Spain

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The Netherlands shook the world and more importantly Spain, as they crushed the reigning World Cup champions Spain 5-1 in a pulsating Group B opener.

While Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie stole the show for Van Gaal’s troops, there was a less-than household name who played an influential part in helping the Dutch overcome the 2010 champions.

Daley Blind took part in his first major tournament and was awarded with a start in the XI. The Ajax star repaid the faith shown in him and was rampant against a lacklustre Spanish rearguard.

An outlet whenever his side were under pressure, Blind ran the channels throughout. After an initial tough start for Blind down the left-hand side, with Cesar Azpilicueta Alba proving a tough cookie to crack, the Eredivisie star began to find his rhythm and as the game went on his Squawka Performance Score rose, ending at 27.

Blind score his Squawka Performance Score rise throughout

With his all-round game improving, his confidence thrived and Blind was a menacing prospect down the channel. With Arjen Robben providing much needed pace and energy throughout, Blind offered a much more conservative, yet devastating option for the Dutch.

He showcased his attacking prowess which coupled with his intelligent footwork and the Ajax star began to turn Azpilicueta inside out. He created four chances for the Netherlands and to devastating effect. Two of those four chances resulted in goals – including the long ball that set up Van Persie’s truly special equaliser – which serves as evidence of his productivity going forward and just how Spain could ill-afford to give the full-back time on the ball.

Blind registered two assists

While he displayed fantastic marauding runs for Van Gaal’s side going forwards, going back towards his own goal Blind was crucial in shutting out the Spaniards and played the 5-3-2 formation brilliantly. His flamboyant attacking nature was complimented by his swash-buckling defensive capabilities. He won 67% of his tackles, while also managing two interceptions and completing one clearance in the game.

Blind’s 67% tackle success

His astute hold-up play was key for the Dutch. With ball retention not something to worry about for the Spanish, Netherlands had to hold up the ball a number of times throughout the game and unlike his rather slim physique suggests, Blind was not one to be shrugged off.

Blind boasted a pass accuracy of 84% against Spain, misplacing just eight passes – particularly impressive for a young individual. He also managed to win 100% of his aerial battles and with his one take on successful, he really did polish every aspect of his game during the ninety-minutes.

The 24-year-old’s performance will have attracted many potential suitors and for a man at such a tender age still, it will be extremely hard to deter clubs after that performance. Most notable among those already linked with Blind are Manchester United and encouraging signs are to be gleaned from just how effective the Dutchman was last night under the instructions of newly appointed Red Devils boss Van Gaal.

The world champions took to the stage against a low in confidence Dutch side following the shambles at Euro 2012, but with Blind’s brilliance and the scintillating display from his team-mates, the Netherlands were able to inspire the nation to victory.

A constant threat down the left-hand side, he was brilliant galloping forward and shrewd going backwards. With the Dutch possessing such a gifted footballer in Daley Blind, Van Gaal may well have a big chance of winning the coveted prize come mid-July. After Blind’s performance, perhaps no one will be able to say they didn’t see it coming.