Netherlands vs. Ecuador: 6 Things We Learned

With the preparations for the World Cup in Brazil well and truly underway, the Netherlands faced Ecuador in a pretournament friendly on Saturday. 

After Louis van Gaal's announcement of the Netherlands' 30-man preliminary squad, fans and pundits alike were keen to see the first XI the manager would pick—all the more so because of the new 5-3-2 formation he admitted to be experimenting with in training.

How would the likes of Daryl Janmaat and Robin van Persie perform in Van Gaal's newly devised system? 

Very different from his usual 4-3-3 formation, the 5-3-2 system relies on wing-backs, who are expected to provide width down the flanks both in attack and defence, and three centre-backs. In short, the implementation of the 5-3-2 marked a radical departure from long-time Dutch tactics.

With some negatives and some positives to pick up from the match, the Netherlands and Ecuador eventually drew 1-1. What, then, were the six most important lessons for the Dutch?

Daryl Janmaat's Fitness and Form Are Crucial

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During the first half, Daryl Janmaat was still looking to find a balance. Unsure of when to drop back and when to stay forward, the wing-back was functioning somewhat insecurely in Van Gaal's newly devised 5-3-2 system. 

Nonetheless, the system's success hinges, in large parts, on Janmaat's attacking prowess. Without at least one forward-bombing wing-back, the system will inevitably fall flat because of a lack of width up front. 

Near half-time, Janmaat had to go off injured, and Van Gaal will be holding his breath on Saturday night as he awaits the results of the right-back's medical assessment.

The 3 Centre-Backs Need Better Coordination

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Early in the first half, Ecuador managed to take the lead by scoring a goal that caught the Netherlands defence completely off guard. 

Ecuador's goal was especially poignant because it was made possible by a through ball delivered through the centre of the Netherlands defence. 

Part of Van Gaal's motivation to switch to a 5-3-2 formation was the security that the three centre-backs would provide in defence. How, then, did Ecuador manage to split this defence open with one simple pass? 

During the World Cup, Bruno Martins Indi, Joel Veltman and Stefan de Vrij will be Van Gaal's best bets at the back, but they'll need to coordinate themselves better if they want to function as the defensive rock that the manager desires. 

Robin Van Persie's Form Will Be Vital

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In the first half, Robin van Persie converted a cross from Jordy Clasie by elegantly controlling the ball with his chest before pounding it past Ecuador's goalkeeper.

The sheer excellence and beauty of the goal, which put the Netherlands and Ecuador back on equal footing after the latter's opening goal, showed how much the Dutch are reliant on Van Persie. Especially in the newly devised 5-3-2 system, Van Gaal will be looking to the Manchester United striker for goals. 

In that regard, only one other Dutch player is of similar status: Arjen Robben. But the Bayern Munich man wasn't there against Ecuador, as he still had the German Cup final to play with his club. 

Van Gaal likely made Van Persie captain exactly for that reason—to show him how he important he is to the team as a whole. 

Considering the fact that Van Persie is still working on a return to fitness after an injury, it's vital that he'll be given the opportunity to regain form during the rest of the preparatory campaign. 

Daley Blind and Jordy Clasie Form a Solid Duo in Midfield

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Ever since Kevin Strootman's injury, one of the big questions surrounding the Netherlands' first XI regarded the midfield duo that Van Gaal had in mind. 

After his tactical admission, discussions grew even more intense. The 5-3-2 formation allows for a true playmaker in the No. 10 position, with Wesley Sneijder being a likely candidate. Who would be picked for the two positions behind the Galatasaray man?

Against Ecuador, Ajax's Daley Blind and Feyenoord's Jordy Clasie were given the chance to prove themselves. In particular Clasie, who delivered the assist for Robin van Persie's goal, performed excellently. 

Now, the only question that remains is, Will AC Milan's Nigel de Jong be put in place of Blind or Clasie when he joins the Dutch squad next week, or will Saturday's duo remain intact during the World Cup?

Van Gaal Needs Robben and Sneijder

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Even though preparations for the World Cup have already started, a number of clubs have not yet finished their domestic seasons. As the Netherlands faced Ecuador, Bayern Munich still had the German Cup final to play, to name just one example.

As such, the Netherlands were missing both Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder—who featured for his club-side Galatasaray on Saturday. 

While Robin van Persie and Memphis Depay showed a good understanding up front, Netherlands missed both Robben and Sneijder. Without Robben, the Dutch front line seemed to lack pace, and while Georginio Wijnaldum performed well enough as No. 10, Van Persie could have done with Sneijder operating in his back.

In the next couple of friendlies, Louis Van Gaal will surely be relishing the chance to allow Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder to further develop the understanding they already have with one another by playing them all at the same time. 

Patrick Van Aanholt Is Ready to Replace Janmaat

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During the first half, Terence Kongolo was given a chance at left-back. While Daryl Janmaat was making forward surges on the right side of the pitch, the young Feyenoord defender made a solid impression at the back. 

When Janmaat was taken off for Paul Verhaegh during half-time, however, Louis van Gaal decided to substitute Kongolo for Chelsea's Patrick van Aanholt. It was a logical move, because in the new situation, Verhaegh would be the more defensive-minded back. Van Aanholt, then, would be allowed to bomb forward. 

Van Aanholt, who was loaned to Dutch side Vitesse for the past two seasons, made an excellent impression. Should Van Gaal decide to continue with the 5-3-2 and be willing to play only one offensive-minded wing-back, then he can be rest assured that Van Aanholt is ready. 

If Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is looking for a new left-back next season, it's likely he will similarly keep an eye out for Van Aanholt during the World Cup.