Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: 5 midfielders to watch out for

#4 Billy Bakker (The Netherlands)

Marijne describes Bakker as a complete midfielder

When the Netherlands take on Malaysia in a Pool D clash on December 1, it will be the third World Cup for veteran Billy Bakker. The 30-year-old was part of the Dutch squad that won silver medals at the Delhi World Cup in 2010 and at the 2012 London Olympics.

Sjoerd Marijne, coach of the Indian women's team who spent 3 years coaching Billy at home knows a thing or two about the ace midfielder and described his one-time protege thus.

"Great overview and loves to play combination hockey. I was his coach for three years. He Is also to able to score as a midfielder - very complete."

Holland took on Australia in the quarterfinals of the Rio Olympics a couple of years back, in an encounter that was touted to be a revenge match. The Kookaburras had annihilated the Dutch in the finals of the 2014 World Cup by a massive 6-1 margin and Max Caldas' boys were eager to turn the tables.

Less than a minute had elapsed before Billy Bakker found the net with a powerful reverse and delivered a superb assist to Bob de Voogd after dodging past three Aussie defenders just before halftime.

Bakker's ability to deliver precise and effective defense-splitting assists, along with his goal-poaching skills may well help the Dutch capture a World Cup gold after a gap of 20 years.