FM23 Holland: Best Tactics, Players, And Formations

Alright guys, let's dive deep into the world of Football Manager 2023 and talk about one of the most exciting national teams to manage: Holland! Seriously, who doesn't love playing as the Dutch? They've got a rich footballing history, a fantastic youth system, and some seriously talented players that can make your save a blast. In this guide, we're going to break down everything you need to know to take Holland all the way to glory. We're talking about the best tactics, the wonderkids you need to keep an eye on, and the formations that'll have your opponents quaking in their boots. So, grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's get this Dutch adventure started!

Unlocking Holland's Potential: Tactics and Formations

When you think of Dutch football, what comes to mind? Probably Total Football, right? That fluid, attacking style that's all about possession, pressing, and intricate passing. Well, in FM23, we can definitely channel that spirit! The key to unlocking Holland's potential lies in adopting a tactical approach that leverages their strengths. We want to utilize their technical ability, their pace, and their generally high work rate. One of the most effective formations you'll want to consider is the 4-3-3 DM Wide. This formation is a classic for a reason, and it fits the Dutch philosophy perfectly. It provides a solid defensive base with a holding midfielder, allows for width through the attacking wingers, and offers plenty of passing options in midfield. When setting up your team, you'll want to emphasize a high tempo, play out of defense, and overlapping runs from your full-backs. The wingers should be tasked with cutting inside to create space for those overlapping full-backs, or they can be instructed to whip crosses in if you have a strong target man up front. The midfield three is crucial. You'll want a ball-winning midfielder to break up play, a box-to-box midfielder to provide energy and support both offensively and defensively, and a playmaker (often an advanced playmaker or a mezzala) to dictate the tempo and unlock defenses. Don't be afraid to experiment with player roles within this formation. For example, you could use an inside forward on one wing and a more traditional winger on the other, or switch your midfield roles based on the opposition. Another formation that can be highly effective is the 4-2-3-1 Wide. This offers a bit more stability in midfield with the double pivot, which can be great against teams that like to dominate the center of the park. The attacking midfielder can act as a link between midfield and attack, providing creativity and scoring opportunities. Here, you'll want your wingers to be dynamic and capable of both scoring and assisting. The lone striker will need to be a focal point, capable of holding up play or making runs in behind. Regardless of the formation, remember to tweak your team instructions based on the opposition. Are they weak in the air? Exploit that with crosses. Do they have a slow center-back? Target that space with fast attackers. The beauty of FM23 is the depth of tactical options. Don't just set and forget; constantly analyze your games, look at the stats, and make those crucial adjustments. The Dutch squad is versatile, so you can adapt your tactics. If you have a dominant central midfielder, you might even consider a 4-1-2-3 DM Wide which is very similar to the 4-3-3 but with a slightly deeper midfield structure. The goal is always to find a system that maximizes the talent at your disposal and exploits the weaknesses of your opponent. We want to be proactive, not reactive. Think about your pressing intensity – a high press can be devastating with the right players, but it can also leave you exposed. So, balance is key. Remember to set your mentality appropriately too. For tougher games, 'Balanced' or even 'Cautious' might be wise, but against weaker opposition, don't shy away from 'Attacking' or 'Positive'. The right tactical setup is your foundation, and with Holland, you have a fantastic palette to paint with.

The Crown Jewels: Identifying Holland's Wonderkids and Key Players

Now, let's talk about the players, guys! This is where managing Holland in FM23 really shines. The Dutch national team is blessed with a pipeline of young talent, and many of them are already world-class or have the potential to become absolute superstars. Identifying and nurturing these wonderkids is crucial for long-term success. You absolutely need to be familiar with players like Xavi Simons. This guy is a magician on the ball, with incredible dribbling, flair, and vision. He can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger and is often your creative spark. Make sure you give him plenty of game time and focus on his development. Another name that pops up immediately is Jurriën Timber. He's a rock-solid defender, comfortable at center-back or right-back, with great attributes in tackling, positioning, and pace. He's the kind of player who can anchor your defense for years to come. Cody Gakpo, if he's not already a star by the time you start your save, he certainly will be. His combination of pace, finishing, and physicality makes him a lethal forward or winger. He's a goal-scoring threat every time he touches the ball. Don't forget about Devyne Rensch. He's another versatile defender who can play across the backline, offering defensive solidity and good technical ability. For those looking further down the line, keep an eye on players like Kenneth Taylor, a dynamic midfielder with a good all-round game, and Quinten Timber (Jurriën's twin brother!), a strong defensive midfielder who can really break up play. In terms of established stars, you'll have players like Virgil van Dijk (though his in-game status can vary depending on the database updates, he's usually a world-class option when fit), Frenkie de Jong, and Matthijs de Ligt to build around. These guys provide experience and leadership. De Jong is your quintessential box-to-box midfielder, brilliant at carrying the ball and dictating play. De Ligt is a commanding presence at the back. Your job as manager is not just to pick the best team, but to develop these young talents. This means consistent training, targeted individual training sessions, and ensuring they get regular first-team football. Loan spells can be invaluable for younger players who aren't quite ready for the senior squad. Track their progress closely and recall them when they're ready to make an impact. You'll also want to scout extensively for new talent. The Dutch league is a hotbed for young players, so regularly check the U21 squads and the youth intakes of Eredivisie clubs. Use your scouts effectively, set up detailed scouting assignments, and don't be afraid to invest in promising youngsters. Building a strong Holland side is a blend of leveraging your current top talent and systematically developing the next generation. It’s about creating a dynasty, not just winning one tournament. Remember to also consider the player personalities. Good personalities often develop better and are more resilient under pressure. Look for players with 'Professional', 'Ambitious', or 'Resolute' personalities. These players are often easier to manage and more likely to reach their full potential. So, keep your eyes peeled, scout wisely, and prepare to unearth some absolute gems! The future of Dutch football is bright, and it's your job to mold it.

The Golden Generation: Current Stars and Their Roles

When you first load up FM23, the Dutch national team boasts an incredible mix of experienced world-beaters and emerging talents. Building your tactical system around these players is paramount. Virgil van Dijk, assuming he's fit and available (database dependent, of course!), remains one of the premier central defenders in the world. He's the bedrock of your defense, providing aerial dominance, strong tackling, and leadership. Pair him with a quicker, ball-playing defender if possible, to cover any gaps Van Dijk might leave when stepping out. Matthijs de Ligt is another colossus at the back. His strength, determination, and aerial ability make him a fantastic partner for Van Dijk or a solid replacement. For a more ball-playing center-back option, keep an eye on Nathan Aké or Micky van de Ven as they develop. In midfield, Frenkie de Jong is your undisputed star. His dribbling, passing range, and ability to glide past opponents make him the perfect engine for your team. You'll want him in a role that allows him to roam and influence the game, such as a Mezzala or Box-to-Box Midfielder. Teun Koopmeiners offers a more goal-scoring threat from deep, with excellent long shots and passing. He can be used as a Deep-Lying Playmaker or even an Advanced Playmaker if you want him further up the pitch. Denzel Dumfries is a crucial player for your right flank. His incredible work rate, crossing ability, and attacking threat from a wing-back or advanced playmaker role make him a constant menace. On the left, you have options like Tyrell Malacia or Owen Wijndal, who can provide similar attacking impetus from the opposite flank. Upfront, Memphis Depay is often your go-to striker or attacking midfielder. His finishing, flair, and set-piece ability are invaluable. However, he thrives when given creative freedom. Wout Weghorst offers a more physical, direct option, excellent for aerial duels and holding up the ball. Steven Bergwijn and Cody Gakpo are your primary wide attackers. Bergwijn's pace and dribbling make him a potent threat on the wing, while Gakpo's all-around attacking prowess allows him to play wide or centrally. It's about understanding each player's strengths and fitting them into roles where they can excel. For instance, if you have a dominant physical striker like Weghorst, you might tailor your crosses to exploit his aerial ability. If you have creative midfielders like de Jong and Koopmeiners, you can build your attack through intricate passing and through balls. The key is synergy. How do these individual stars combine to create a formidable unit? Don't underestimate the importance of player chemistry and morale either. Keep your squad happy, ensure they understand their roles, and you'll see much better performances on the pitch. Your role as manager is to orchestrate this symphony of talent, ensuring every player knows their part and plays it to perfection. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding aspect of managing a national team like Holland. Always be prepared to adapt your lineup and roles based on player form and fitness. A rested player can often make a bigger impact than a fatigued star.

The Future is Orange: Scouting and Developing Young Talent

Now, let's get serious about the future, guys! Managing Holland isn't just about winning now; it's about building a legacy. The Dutch have always been renowned for their youth development, and FM23 reflects this beautifully. Scouting is your absolute number one priority when it comes to nurturing the next generation. You need to have a robust scouting network in place, covering not just the Netherlands but also other footballing nations known for producing talent, like Brazil, Argentina, and even some smaller European nations. Set up detailed scouting assignments. Don't just look for