Netherlands 1-1 Spain: 5 Hits and Flops as European heavyweights play out intriguing tactical battle | International Friendly 2020

#3 Hit - Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands)

Denzel Dumfries had an excellent game

The Netherlands struggled to create chances of note in the first half and were blunt in the final third against Spain. The Dutch full-backs, in particular, were unable to threaten their Spanish counterparts and Frank de Boer need to make several changes at half-time to galvanise his troops.

Denzel Dumfries came on in the second half as a result and transformed the complexion of the game. The PSV Eindhoven star outpaced Sergio Reguilon on his flank and his excellent positioning skills allowed him to race into the Spanish penalty area on several occasions.

Dumfries created two of the best chances for the Netherlands and was unlucky not to bag an assist tonight. The right-back put in a much better performance than Hans Hateboer against Spain and should move up the pecking order for his national side.

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#2 Flop - Memphis Depay (Netherlands)

Memphis Depay did not have a good game against Spain

Memphis Depay has not enjoyed his best year with the Netherlands and did not have a good game against Spain. The Dutch talisman did see plenty of the ball and attempted a few dribbles but sorely lacked a final product as the Netherlands struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the game.

Depay was well-marshalled by an organised Spanish midfield and did not have much of an impact in the final third. The Lyon forward regularly dropped into deeper positions to pick up the ball but could not threaten Spain's organised defensive line.

OL president Jean Michel Aulas to RMC: “Memphis Depay will stay here until next June, we need him. He’ll finish the season here”. 🔴 #FCB #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2020

The Netherlands showed significant improvement in the second half as the likes fo Davy Klaassen and Denzel Dumfries set up excellent counter-attacks. Dumfries, in particular, handed Depay a golden opportunity to score on a silver platter but the striker failed to find the back of Spain's net. Memphis Depay was well below his lofty standards today and will need to take it up a notch with his national team.

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#1 Hit - Sergio Canales (Spain)

Sergio Canales had an excellent game

Sergio Canales has earned the trust of Spain manager Luis Enrique in recent weeks and is widely regarded as a gifted midfielder. The Real Betis star brought his technical skills to the fore against the Netherlands today and tormented the Dutch back-line with his ingenuity and poise.

Canales consistently made the right decisions throughout the game and gave Joel Veltman a torrid time in the first half. The Spaniard scored his first goal with his national team against the Netherlands tonight and will be thrilled with his performance against one of the most formidable sides in Europe.

Sergio Canales scores his first ever goal for Spain in his sixth cap for the country. 🇪🇸

— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) November 11, 2020

Sergio Canales also participated in many of Spain's attacks in the second half and gave an excellent account of himself in the final third. The Real Betis man faces an uphill challenge to keep his place in the starting eleven and will need more of these performances to make his case.

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