Exclusive: De Boer concedes Netherlands may find World Cup tough without a top-class striker

Flashscore caught up with Frank de Boer in Marbella during a padel tournament for ex-footballers.

You hung up your boots years ago but have never strayed far from sport, playing plenty of padel nowadays. Your family is packed with footballers and even a referee (your son-in-law Joey Kooij is one). Do you still follow football with the same passion?

"Yes, I still keep a close eye on it, particularly with the World Cup coming up. It is a competition that everyone wants to see."

I expect you are keen to see how the Netherlands get on. What are your thoughts on the national side?

"We have a decent squad but we are not among the frontrunners. I believe we could make it to the quarter-finals. I am aware that other nations would rather avoid us because we are capable of playing brilliant football at times, but I feel we are a bit inconsistent. In a tournament like this you cannot afford an off day. Perhaps you can get away with it in the group stage, but not afterwards. To produce three or four top quality performances... I have not seen that often from the national team in recent years."

What do you believe is lacking, perhaps a star reminiscent of previous eras, a centre forward like Marco van Basten who would score for fun?

"Well, I think so. We lack a centre forward that other nations boast, but then Spain are often without a recognised striker too. A number nine like Harry Kane or someone of that ilk, we do not have in the Netherlands. Memphis Depay is a good player but he is not an out-and-out striker. He always drifts into space. Others can exploit that space, but I think our attackers have quality, just not the finishing quality of players like Kylian Mbappe, Raphinha and those sorts, or Kane. But we function as a team, and I always stress the importance of playing collectively. Teams win titles; individuals win matches. I am confident we will be a team, and that is always vital."

So we can say that this Dutch side is very different from the one we have always known, full of joy, flair and attacking intent?

"We have entertaining talents like Frenkie de Jong and midfielders who play well, but I believe we lack star quality in attack. Virgil van Dijk is a star at the back. Our defence is very solid: Jurrien Timber is performing excellently, Denzel Dumfries and Micky van de Ven are high calibre players. The goalkeeper is reliable, and in midfield we have De Jong, Tijani Reijnders, Ryan Gravenberch... But it is up front where I have my worries."

And what about the other contenders?

"I believe France, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, Germany and England are, for me, the most threatening nations. And perhaps Morocco, who now have a strong side."

That is exactly what I was about to say, there are African teams that appear to be making good progress, like the one you mentioned, Morocco.

"Yes, and Senegal as well. They have good quality and have proven they can defeat major nations. We will see some teams that are not the usual suspects."

Spain's dependence on Lamine

What are your views on Spain?

"I think it hinges on how Lamine Yamal performs. They lack a centre forward, just as we do. They play that trademark Spanish football, and it is true that for any nation, facing them is very tough. But I do not consider them among the main favourites at the moment. It also depends on Lamine Yamal and whether he is available because he is a player who can change the game."

Do you think the reliance is so great that when Lamine is on song Spain elevate their game, and fall off when he is not?

"Yes, that is correct. We discussed earlier the lack of stars in the Netherlands. He is a star. But he has to be in form to make things happen. That is quality."

Speaking of Lamine and his ability, I assume as a former Barcelona player you have been following Barca's season. What were your impressions?

"Yes, I have watched them and they are very good. They have played in a very entertaining style, particularly with Lamine and Raphinha. Well, Raphinha not as much as last year, but Pedri is in outstanding form in my opinion. He is among the best in the world and performs exceptionally. I am delighted with how Dani Olmo is developing now, and Gavi is back. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Barcelona."

What it takes to win the Champions League

Do you agree with those who argue that to lift the Champions League trophy, you cannot play as attacking a style as under Hansi Flick?

"I am not sure, it depends. When everything is at full capacity, it can work. But if someone fails in that system, it becomes very risky. Everyone must be extremely focused, at 100 per cent. If not, it is very difficult to maintain such a high defensive line. But people also want to see entertaining football. I believe that is the most important thing. Because I have seen many 0-0 draws that nobody wants to watch. I think when you have a stadium of nearly 100,000 spectators, they are there to enjoy the game. And with Barcelona you usually go to have a good time."

Since you mention enjoying football, in the Champions League final we saw a PSG that tried to keep possession and an Arsenal that appeared to simply defend. I suppose that final illustrates your point...

"Yes. On the flanks, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue are usually the players who can make a difference with a dribble, but Bukayo Saka was always tracking back on the other side. Also, Leandro Trossard on the other wing. It was very difficult to create anything, which is why the match turned out that way. And the first goal (scored by Arsenal) did not help matters either because they could then drop deep and sit back. The semi-finals were fantastic, but I was a bit let down by the final. Ultimately, I think the better team won."

Well, we will see who claims the World Cup. Would you like to see a Spain versus Netherlands final?

"Yes, absolutely. A rematch would be great."