Netherlands U21 3-2 Germany U21: Top 3 Players

Lewis Holtby

It was hard to pick a German player to feature in this piece. Many of the players had varying performances with poor displays in the first half and improvements in the second. The likes of Sebastian Rudy, Sebastian Rode and Patrick Herrmann impressed, but the most consistent player across the park who led by example was the team captain— Lewis Holtby.

With nearly 200 senior club appearances throughout his career, Holtby is the experienced man in the young U21 side. Used to playing as a free moving attacker, Holtby put in a more disciplined shift as he attempted to maintain the shape and control the game. He was an excellent feature in the center against the threatening Dutch midfield. His control in the advanced midfield position allowed Rudy and Rode to play a solid game (especially in the second half) behind him. Rudy particularly benefited from Holtby’s play, being a bright shining spark in the German side, and Rode was able to take an initiative in the latter stages as well.

The Spurs midfielder wasn’t shy with the ball at his feet and ran at the Dutch defence, in an attempt to set his attackers free. He created the most goal-scoring opportunities (2) and also took the most shots (3). He even managed to put in a defensive shift, making a few tackles and interceptions in advanced areas.

Holtby seemed to have salvaged a point from an enthralling fixture when he made an attempt from outside the box. The shot excellently went past the Dutch keeper, Zoet. It was a captain’s performance which was only undone by a late, late Dutch strike.

With the Spanish side yet to be faced, and quite possibly just one spot remaining from Group B, Holtby is essential to ensure that the Germans don’t drop any more points.