Koeman hails new young stars after historic win over Germany

National team manager Ronald Koeman singled out his debutants for praise following Oranje’s historic 3-0 victory over Germany on Friday.

Right back Denzel Dumfries, 22, was one of the standout performers in both defence and attack, while his PSV team-mate, winger Steven Bergwijn, 21, also had an impressive first game, linking up well with Memphis Depay up front.

A third PSV youngster, Nigerian-born Arnaut Danjuma Groeneveld, won his first cap aged 21 when he came on at half-time, though he was fortunate not to give away a penalty when he bundled over Matthias Ginter ten minutes from the end with the score at 1-0.

Late strikes by Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum, adding to Virgil van Dijk’s first-half header, gave the Dutch their biggest ever win against their neighbours and rivals. ‘We needed this result,’ said Koeman. ‘Not just the head coach, not just the players, but the whole country. We can be very proud of ourselves.’

‘We fought incredibly hard and we showed we can play great football. If you look at the three debutants, who will be much stronger in three or four years’ time, I see a great future ahead for Dutch football.’

Koeman acknowledged that his team still had lessons to learn, especially from the opening half-hour, and were pushed back as the Germans pressed for an equaliser after half-time. ‘But overall we were really good,’ he said. ‘This will give us a lot of confidence.’

The result leaves the Dutch second in their UEFA Nations League group at the halfway stage, one point behind France, who they play in Rotterdam on November 16 before completing their campaign in Germany three days later.