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Goalkeepers
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Player
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Team, Age, Caps
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Edwin van der Sar
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(Ajax Amsterdam), age 27, 22 caps.
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Product
of Ajax's celebrated youth policy and has been a regular for the
Dutch champions since March 1993. Tall, commanding, unflappable.
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Ed de Goey
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(Chelsea, England), 31, 29 caps.
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Unspectacular
yet reliable keeper, although is less impressive coming off his
line for crosses. Won 27 of his Dutch caps before Van der Sar
displaced him. Moved from Feyenoord to Chelsea at the start of
the 1997/98 season.
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Ruud Hesp
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(Barcelona, Spain), 32, 0 caps.
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One of a number of
players to leave Roda JC Kerkrade last season. Was a low-key
signing by Barcelona's Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, but arguably
the best. Challenging strongly for a place in the national side.
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Defenders
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Player
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Team, Age, Caps
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Frank de Boer
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(Ajax), 27 (28 on May 15). 52 caps.
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Twin
brother of Ronald, first appeared in 1992 European Championships
in Sweden. Now automatic selection for club and country. One of
the best headers in the Dutch league. Free-kick specialist, but
lacks pace. Missed Euro 1996 due to injury.
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Johan de Kock
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(Schalke 04, Germany), 33, 13 caps.
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Strong in
the air and a good marker. Played for Roda JC before moving to
Germany. Was set to become a regular figure at the center of
defense until the emergence of Jaap Stam.
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Michael Reiziger
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(Barcelona, Spain), 24 (25 on May 3), 24 caps.
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One of many ex-Ajax players in the squad. Left two seasons
ago for AC Milan, before ex-Ajax coach Louis van Gaal brought
him to Barcelona. Has not found such favor there, but on-form,
he is the Netherlands' best full-back, albeit better coming
forward than on back foot.
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Jaap Stam
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(PSV Eindhoven), 25, 11 Caps.
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Will become the
world's most expensive defender if he completes his move to
English side Manchester United for 10.5 million pounds ($17.5
million). Strong, tall, good in the air and quick, he should be
one of stars of the tournament.
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Arthur Numan
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(PSV Eindhoven), 28, 26 caps.
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Tireless runner
who plays a vital supporting role on the left flank. The PSV
skipper started his career as an attacking midfielder, but was
switched to defense. Adds to attack with his dashes up the line
but can be caught out defensively on occasion.
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Ernest Faber
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(PSV Eindhoven), 26, 3 caps.
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Good marker,
strong in the air. Injuries have cost him his place in the
starting line-up.
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Winston Bogarde
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(Barcelona, Spain), 27, 12 caps.
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More often
on the bench than in the starting line-up, a player who adds a
bit of muscle and athleticism to the team. Followed Reiziger
from Ajax to AC Milan to Barcelona. Found more favor at the
latter, having not secured a regular place with the Italians.
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Midfielders
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Player
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Team, Age, Caps
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Giovanni van Bronckhorst
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(Feyenoord), 23, 8 caps.
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Caught the
eye of coach Guus Hiddink in 1996, winning two caps last season.
Adaptable left-sided midfielder and one of the key players at
Feyenoord.
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Jean-Paul van Gastel
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(Feyenoord), 25 (26 on April 28), 2 caps.
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Playmaker at Feyenoord whose possesses a fierce shot. Seen
as the successor to Ronald Koeman at the Rotterdam club.
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Phillip Cocu
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(PSV Eindhoven), 27, 17 caps.
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Hard-working
player with a good shot. Usually occupies the left flank, where
his defensive skills allow team mates to go forward.
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Aron Winter
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(Inter Milan, Italy), 31, 69 caps.
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Played in
1990 World Cup and the last two European Championships and has
spent many years in Serie A. Busy, skilful player who beavers
away in midfield, closing gaps left by others. Most experienced
player in the current squad, but mostly used as a substitute
now.
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Ronald de Boer
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(Ajax), 27 (28 on May 15), 38 caps.
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An Ajax
regular since move from Twente in 1993, he also has a secure
place in the national side with role behind the front two,
providing service and tackling back if required. Along with twin
Frank, has expressed a desire to leave Ajax at the end of the
season.
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Wim Jonk
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(PSV Eindhoven), 31, 41 caps.
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Reads the game well,
and distributes the ball effectively. The former Ajax player
came to PSV via Inter Milan and has rediscovered his form to
fight his way back into the Dutch squad. He is PSV's main
creative spark and is the key playmaker in their midfield.
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Clarence Seedorf
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(Real Madrid, Spain), 22, 28 caps.
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Another
former Ajax star, Seedorf's performances will be crucial to the
Netherlands' chances in France. A combative, all-round player
who has been in fine form.
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Forwards
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Player
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Team, Age, Caps
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Dennis Bergkamp
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(Arsenal, England), 29 (29 on May 10), 57 caps.
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Truly world class performer and potential match-winner.
Emerged after 1990 World Cup, but struggled following move from
Ajax to Inter. Blossomed since transfer to Arsenal in 1995. Has
ended the season as he started -- in fantastic form. Known for
his fear of flying.
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Pierre van Hooijdonk
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(Nottingham Forest, England), 28, 11 caps.
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Tall, powerful striker with nimble skills. Lethal from
free-kicks, occasionally temperamental and likely to start on
the bench. Formerly with Dutch club NAC, he impressed at
Scottish club Celtic and has struck more than 30 goals for
Forest in the English first division this season to maintain his
impressive ratio wherever he has played.
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Boudewijn Zenden
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(PSV Eindhoven), 21, 3 caps.
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Left winger
seen as one for the future. Combined soccer and judo until 16
and was three times junior judo champion in his home province
Limburg. Faces keen competition on the left flank.
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Marc Overmars
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(Arsenal, England), 25, 37 caps.
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Speedy winger
who can play on either flank, though he prefers the left. Can
shoot powerfully with both feet. Was an automatic choice until
injury last season. The former Ajax player has steadily
recovered his form this season at Arsenal.
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Patrick Kluivert
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(AC Milan, Italy), 21 (22 on July 1), 17 caps.
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Lithe, quick center-forward who has had a roller coaster
career to date. Scored winning goal for Ajax in European Cup
Final in 1995 but a year later was found guilty of causing death
by dangerous driving. Moved to AC Milan last summer, but has
struggled for form. Last year he faced questioning over rape
allegations.
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John Bosman
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(Twente Enschede), 33, 29 caps.
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In 1990 Bosman
left Dutch training camp in tears after being dropped at the
last minute for the World Cup in Italy but was summoned back
from a holiday in Spain for USA 94 after Ruud Gullit quit the
squad. Experienced striker.
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Peter Hoekstra
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(Ajax), 25, 5 caps.
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Bought by Ajax in 1996 to
replace the injured Marc Overmars on the left wing but
competition from Michael Laudrup and lack of form this season
have confined him mostly to the substitute's bench. A similar
role may be the best he can hope for with the national squad.
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Roy Makaay
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(Tenerife, Spain), 22, 2 caps.
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Tall, agile
striker who had a good season with Vitesse before moving to
Spanish club Tenerife for $6.6 million. Has mainly played in the
Dutch under-21 side until now.
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