The Netherlands failed to win their third consecutive European Championships U17 after losing 2-1 to France U17. The Dutch were put under early pressure through France’s dangerous attack, conceding three big chances in the first ten minutes. Mathys Tel hit the post from a free-kick, while Tom Saettel also hit the post but from open play. After the high-intensity opening, the match slowed down a bit but both teams did not get much time on the ball. Quickly after the second half started, Silvano Vos put in a great cross from the left to Jaden Slory, who kept calm and composed in front of goal to score the goal. France did not panic after the opening goal and came back in the game through two goals from Sael Kumbedi. This meant that the Dutch had to chase an equalizer but they failed to create any big chances, meaning that France has won the European Championships U17.
Youth Ratings
1 – Ready for the first team
2 – Good, potential to be first team
3 – Decent, could make first team squad
4 – Decent potential, unlikely to make it to first team
5 – Unlikely to make first team
Silvano Vos
- Nationality: Dutch
- Age: 17
- Date of birth: 16/03/2005
- Club: Jong Ajax / Ajax U18
- Career: Zeeburgia (Y), Ajax (Y)
- Position: Defensive Midfield
- Secondary position: Centre Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Silvano Vos started as The Netherlands’s right central midfielder. The midfielder looked promising in the technical, tactical, physical and athletic areas. The Dutchman has good ball control and coordination when dribbling, which really helps him when operating in small spaces. He used his good physicality and close control to get past opponents in tight spaces and looked dominant on the ball throughout the entire game. His receiving skills under pressure were pretty inconsistent. It happened sometimes that he needed one touch too many to control the ball and the ball did not always stay on the ground while trying to receive a pass. However, he managed to shield off the ball well and did not get dispossessed after his (sporadically) somewhat average first touch.
The midfielder powerfully stepped into midfield with the ball on his feet at times and I think he could do this more often. Silvano Vos looked quick on the first meters and had the power to maintain that speed over long distances. The 17-year-old never panicked in midfield and held his own against France’s strong midfield. In the second half, Silvano Vos assisted Jaden Slory’s goal with a beautiful inswinging cross from a deeper area on the left-wing. Under pressure, Vos also proved that he is two-footed. The Dutchman protected The Netherlands’s backline quite well together with Milambo in the first half, and Kleijn in the second half. His defensive vision and decision-making were good, stepping up or staying in line when necessary. Vos had good timing in the duels and, as mentioned before, looked powerful in the duels.
Rating – 2
Silvano Vos is likely to become a regular starter for Jong Ajax next season but it would not be surprising if he joined ajax’s first-team training camp. The 17-year-old has the potential to become a first-team player in the next two years.
Thijmen Blokzijl
- Nationality: Dutch
- Age: 17
- Date of birth: 25/02/2005
- Club: FC Groningen U18 / U21
- Career: Velocitas (Y), Quick 1887 (Y), Groningen (Y)
- Position: Centre Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Thijmen Blokzijl started as the Dutch’s right central defender and had a stellar performance for The Netherlands U17 in defence. He was really promising in the technical, athletic and tactical areas, but it is clear that he should play next to a more physical central defender in the future. Technically, Blokzijl had good receiving skills. He was confident stepping into midfield with the ball at his feet. The Dutchman did not make any mistakes with his ball-carrying and looked impressive on the ball. His passing was not that adventurous, but secure and consistent. Defensively, Thijmen Blokzijl had to cover many mistakes by his partner in defence Dean Huijsen. Blokzijl covered Huijsen’s back well and closed many gaps out wide. While doing that, the defender showed good acceleration and pace.
Blokzijl has good decision-making and vision in defence, not panicking in a 1v2 situation and closing down his opponent while also forcing him out wide. He looked impressive and dominant in defence. This was also the case in 1v1 duels. He kept looking at the ball and did not overcommit against the quicker Mathys Tel. His smartness in defence made up for his weaker pace compared to the France attackers. I am guessing that Blokzijl is around 175 centimetres tall and he has quite a skinny frame. With that being said, Blokzijl is not a big physical presence and could struggle against strong, tall opponents.
Rating – 2
I think that Blokzijl could join the first team during their pre-season training camp. It will be interesting to see more of him in the future.