A much improved performance against Finland put the Netherlands in pole position to qualify for next year’s World Cup, with Memphis Depay playing a pivotal role in his return to the starting line-up.

Ronald Koeman opted for an attacking line-up, with Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo forming a three-man line behind Depay, with Tijjani Reinders making way.

It took just eight minutes for Oranje to open the scoring in Amsterdam after a storming start, as Depay laid the ball off for Malen to beat Jesse Joronen with an angled shot into the top corner.

The second came nine minutes later when Virgil van Dijk headed in a free-kick by Depay, and Oranje could have gone further ahead if Malen had timed his glancing header from Gakpo’s cross a fraction better.

Jurrien Timber saw a header come back off the crossbar before Micky van de Ven’s follow-up shot was only denied by a defender’s outstretched leg.

The Dutch won a penalty at the ensuing corner for handball, and Depay stepped up to put away his 54th international goal.

Koeman brought on Reijnders for Ryan Gravenberch to bolster the midfield at half-time and took Depay off after 62 minutes, sending on Wout Weghorst, as the Dutch were content to sit back and defend their lead.

But there was time for Gakpo to add a final flourish when his curling shot from the edge of the area clipped the inside of Joronen’s near post.

The Netherlands finish their campaign next month with a trip to Poland on November 14 before hosting Lithuania on November 17. A win in Warsaw or draws in both games will see them qualify for the finals as winners of group G.