Player ratings for the Netherlands vs France match: The stars are disappointing and Xavi Simons’ goal is controversially disallowed

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In the first goalless draw of the 2024 European Championship, favourites France and the Netherlands drew in Leipzig.

Both teams wanted the three points that would have guaranteed them qualification for the round of 16, but lacked imagination and impact in a mediocre first half. Adrien Rabiot wasted the best chance of the first 45 minutes when he opted to pass to Antoine Griezmann when shooting would have been the easier option.

With Kylian Mbappe out of the starting line-up and the Netherlands opting for a more defensive style, the second half began in a similar way but was livened up by some dangerous French attacks and a disallowed Dutch goal. Xavi Simons thought he had fired a rebound past Maignan, but it was disallowed as Dumfries had intervened from an offside position.

This dramatic phase did not last long, however, as the French fought desperately for a goal that they never seemed to be able to score, while the Netherlands were happy with the point that would now see them advance to the round of 16.

But how did each player fare? Here are The Independent’s player ratings:

NETHERLANDS (4-2-3-1)

Bart Verbruggen – 7

When he was needed, he did what he had to do and prevented Griezmann from scoring with a brilliant save.

Denzel Dumfries – 5

Was unlucky to be on the wrong side of the offside decision. Contributed in both attack and defence but nothing exceptional and was beaten too often.

Stefan de Vrij – 7

He formed a good defensive duo with van Dijk and the two worked well together to earn the Netherlands a deserved draw (with defence being the most important factor).

Virgil van Dijk – 7

A good defensive performance with many important clearances and blocks. He took on the role of captain and limited France to two clear chances, neither of which were his fault.

Nathan Ake – 7

Solid and reliable in defence as always, but could hardly do anything going forward.

Jerdy Schouten – 5

Received an early yellow card, which affected his defensive performance from then on. He also lost the ball on occasion.

Tijjani Reijnders – 7

Like Gakpo and Simons, he was constantly involved in the Netherlands’ best attacking phases. He did a good job in midfield and also contributed to the defence.

Jeremie Frimpong – 7

He had a chance from the start and constantly offered opportunities on the flanks. However, the tactical formation did not help him.

Xavi Simons – 7

Presented a threat going forward and was unlucky to have his goal disallowed despite his good finishing. Supported the attack well.

Cody Gakpo – 7

Looked dangerous when penetrating from the right, but occasionally lacked quality on the final ball. Was at the heart of many of the Netherlands’ best attacking plays.

Memphis Depay – 5

Couldn’t really assert himself in the game, was wasteful at times and overall lacked the necessary quality.

Substitute:

Giorgino Wijnaldum – 6

Offered more than Schouten, but came at a time when the game was too much in France’s favor.

Joey Veerman – 5

He came on at a time when it looked like the Netherlands had accepted the draw and sat back, so he had no time to impose himself.

Wout Weghorst – 5

Couldn’t repeat the heroics of the opening game and was more active in defense than attack.

Lutsharel Geertruida – N/A

Didn’t have enough opportunity to show anything.

FRANCE (4-3-3)

Mike Maignan – 7

He made a few good saves early on and always reacted well when it mattered, despite spending long periods of time watching his team’s possession.

Jules Kounde – 6

Despite being secure in possession of the ball, Gakpo’s threat could not be fended off on several occasions.

Dayot Upamecano – 6

Caught once or twice but it didn’t matter in the end. Formed a fascinating partnership with Saliba.

William Saliba – 7

The kind of solid performance we’ve come to expect from the Arsenal player. He played well on the left side of the centre-back duo, retaining the ball well and sensing danger where necessary.

Theo Hernandez – 6

Couldn’t get into the game offensively, but defended reliably when it mattered.

Ngolo Edge – 8th

At times he showed a similar performance to 2018. The former Leicester player appeared everywhere in defence, as we are used to, but also in attack, much more often than before. Was unlucky not to get an assist after Griezmann’s botched attempt.

Aurelien Tchouameni – 7

Played well after returning from injury and linked up well with Kante. Nothing extraordinary, but solid.

Ousmane Dembele – 6

Too wasteful and too often the last bit of quality is missing to create the chance. The same thing happened tonight.

Antoine Griezmann – 7

He had enough chances to give France the win, but it would be harsh to say he didn’t play well. Like Kante that night, he was at the heart of many of France’s best attacking plays, linking up brilliantly and providing

Adrien Rabiot – 6

Missed perhaps the best chance of the game and remained too inconspicuous the whole time. Safe in possession, but he lacked the creative mind, the killer instinct and too often that last bit of quality.

Marcus Thuram – 6

He had a few chances that he could have made better use of, but was able to build up the connection well on the edge of the Dutch penalty area.

Substitute:

Kingsley Coman – 5

Anonymous after his substitution; did not influence the game.

Olivier Giroud – 5

He didn’t have the chance to show what he can do, but you can see why he’s retiring from the national team after this tournament. He seemed a little defensive.