Netherlands 0-1 Mexico: 5 talking points as Frank de Boer era begins with a loss | International Friendly

Mexico established a 1-0 win over the Netherlands as Wolves striker Raul Jimenez converted from the penalty spot in the 66th minute to seal the game for the visitors at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam on Wednesday.

Frank de Boer, in charge of his first game with the Netherlands, played a largely rotated side while Mexican coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino did the opposite, sending out his best XI.

Here are five talking points from the game.

#5. Modest Mexico passes the test

Gerardo Martino was excited to see his players face the Netherlands

In the lead up to the game, the Netherlands were reportedly not too keen on playing Mexico, citing a tight schedule as the reason. This was also addressed in the press conference, with reports even emerging that skipper Virgil van Dijk does not know "many Mexican players' names". Coach Frank de Boer seemed more excited about the UEFA Nations League games against Italy and Bosnia & Herzegovina in the coming days.

Mexico, on the other hand, were keen to test themselves against good opponents. Meanwhile, coach Gerardo Martino wanted to test his side in the lead-up to their World Cup qualifiers, and his men certainly didn't disappoint as they showed immense quality to win a tough away game.

#4. Some names missed, others stepped up

Frenkie de Jong was an unused substitute

In the absence of Frenkie de Jong, who was an unused substitute, the Netherlands lacked the creative spark needed in midfield and were unable to create chances. This left the Mexican defence largely untested. Gini Wjnaldum did not have the best of games either, and this meant that the Netherlands could not stamp their authority in midfield.

Meanwhile, second-choice keeper Tim Krul came good on the night, making a string of decent saves to keep his side in the game. The 2014 World Cup penalty shootout hero did not concede from open play, and that should be a major plus going ahead.

#3. Mexico's counter-attacks

Raul Jimenez was Mexico's main man up front

Mexico's attack, led by Wolves sensation Raul Jimenez, gave Virgil van Dijk & co. enough scares in the first half. Opting for a high press, wingers Jesus Corona and Rodolfo Pizarro found a lot of space behind the inexperienced Dutch full-backs, while Jimenez's finishing prowess kept the central defenders at bay.

These runs and speedy counters ultimately led to the only goal of the game, when Nathan Ake was caught out by Jimenez in a set-piece situation. Mexico's tactic of sitting back and breaking on the counter worked beautifully as the Netherlands lacked creativity in the middle of the park to mount any sort of comeback.

#2. Memphis Depay needs more support

Memphis Depay was the only positive for the Netherlands against Mexico

Lyon forward Memphis Depay was the only shining light in an otherwise lacklustre Dutch front-three. Ryan Babel only showed flashes of brilliance while Feyenoord man Steven Berghuis was far from his best. With the absence of Frenkie de Jong and the poor form of Gini Wjnaldum, the Netherlands were largely one-dimensional going forward. They failed to stamp their authority in midfield and, hence, could not break down a resolute Mexican unit.

Right-back Hans Hateboer, who usually plays an attacking right wing-back for Serie A side Atalanta, did not offer much going forward either. This made Frank de Boer's side seem all the more sluggish and out of sync. Substitute Luuk de Jong did offer something different with his aerial presence but with only a few good crosses, he didn't make much of an impact.

#1. Netherland's centre-back conundrum

Virgil van Dijk was taken off at half-time against Mexico

Virgil van Dijk was taken off at halftime. Yes, you read that right. The Liverpool hero, Dutch captain and Premier League champion, one of the main pillars of this Netherlands team, was taken off at half-time. His centre-back partner Stefan de Vrij was also substituted from the game. The two players made way for young duo Nathan Ake and Joel Veltman.

This is quite an unusual sight in any big-ticket game. Fortunately for De Boer, fans may cut him some slack since the fixture was his first game in charge and was just a friendly. However, going forward, he will have to figure out who his best centre-back pairing is.

With Matthijs de Ligt also in the fray, he does have an option to play a back-three. These questions need to be answered soon, especially with the UEFA Nations League games coming thick and fast.