UEFA Nations League A Group C Round 1: Is Germany Right to Stick with Nagelsmann? Should Netherlands Move On from Depay?

As the UEFA Nations League A Group C kicks off, all eyes are on two major teams: Germany and the Netherlands. Both sides are looking to bounce back from disappointing performances in their recent European Championship campaigns, and their journey in this tournament could set the stage for their fortunes heading into the next major international tournament. But with both teams facing questions over key decisions regarding their squads, this round promises to shed light on what is next for both Germany and the Netherlands as they navigate the challenges ahead.

Germany: A Coach Under Pressure

After a mixed showing at the European Championship, Germany has entered this new phase with a sense of renewal, albeit with some lingering questions about the direction under head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Though the team managed to top their group in the European Championship, their overall performance left much to be desired. The squad appeared solid but lacked the sharpness and creativity needed to compete with the best, and their knockout stage exit to Spain—after a hard-fought battle that saw them take the game into extra time—revealed cracks in their tactical setup.

While Germany was the only team to avoid a 90-minute loss to Spain, their eventual elimination by a late header during extra time raised some serious questions about Nagelsmann's tactical choices. The team had physical advantages over Spain, but Nagelsmann's failure to combine the attacking talents of players like Florian Wirtz with the rest of the team’s dynamic attack was a costly oversight. For many, it felt like Germany underperformed relative to their squad's potential.

Inzaghi’s tactical knowledge of the Bundesliga might have helped Nagelsmann had the latter shown a deeper understanding of Bayer Leverkusen’s key players, but that was not the case. Leverkusen’s incredible run to the Bundesliga title last season only highlighted the struggle for Germany’s national coach, who could not leverage the full potential of players like Wirtz and others from the Bundesliga. Nagelsmann’s approach to blending attacking talent with a solid, structured midfield has often seemed disconnected, leading to criticism about his inability to foster greater cohesion among his players.

Despite the criticism, the German Football Association (DFB) has stuck by Nagelsmann, and many are left wondering whether this faith will be justified in the long run. The first round of matches in the Nations League will be critical in determining whether Nagelsmann can adapt and deliver the results that many expect from such a talented squad.

Against Hungary, Germany will have a chance to prove their worth. Hungary, who also struggled in the European Championship, will pose a challenge, but it is a match Germany is expected to win. Historically, the two teams met in the Nations League, where Hungary dealt Germany their only loss in the group stage. This result contributed to the dismissal of former coach Hansi Flick. Therefore, not only are the points important for Germany, but the performance and tactical approach under Nagelsmann will be closely scrutinized.

Netherlands: Moving Beyond Depay

The Netherlands, under coach Ronald Koeman, was also left licking their wounds after a heartbreaking loss to England in the European Championship semifinals. Despite fielding a team with exceptional individual talent, Koeman’s decision to rely heavily on Memphis Depay became a key talking point. While Depay has been a critical figure for the Netherlands, his form and physical condition during the tournament left much to be desired. Against teams with stronger, more physical defenders, Depay struggled to make an impact, often unable to beat defenders to the ball and failing to assert himself in key moments.

For the Netherlands, the reliance on Depay was perhaps their biggest tactical flaw. His speed and physicality seemed diminished, leaving him ineffective in a tournament where pace and strength were pivotal. Meanwhile, younger talents such as Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo showed flashes of brilliance, but the lack of belief in their ability to carry the offensive burden meant that Koeman continued to lean heavily on Depay, even when it became clear that his physical limitations were becoming an issue.

Now, as the Nations League rolls on, there is a growing sense that the Netherlands must move away from their dependence on Depay. The arrival of talent like Arnaut Danjuma and the continued development of players like Gakpo and Brobbey should push Koeman to reassess his forward options. While Depay’s experience cannot be overlooked, his role needs to evolve.

The inclusion of younger players like 19-year-old midfielder Jorrit Hendrix and the emergence of the Netherlands’ next wave of stars should prompt Koeman to give more opportunities to those who can bring a fresh and dynamic presence to the attack. It is time for the Netherlands to embrace a new attacking strategy, one that does not revolve solely around Depay, especially when younger, faster, and more dynamic options are available.

Their first match in the Nations League against Bosnia and Herzegovina presents a perfect opportunity to test this theory. Bosnia, after relegating from the top tier of the Nations League in the previous cycle, will likely struggle in their matchup with the Netherlands. Yet, the real question for Koeman will be whether he is willing to pivot away from Depay and give his younger stars the opportunity to shine. Depay’s presence in the squad is undoubtedly important, but his role must be reassessed in light of the Netherlands’ evolving squad dynamics.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: The End of an Era?

Bosnia and Herzegovina has been in a transitional phase, as their once-reliable star forward Edin Džeko enters the twilight of his career. At 38, Džeko is still an important figure for the national team, but his time as the primary attacking force for Bosnia is running out. The team has tried to groom younger players to step up, with players like Mërgim Vojvoda and Denis Lemić getting more opportunities. However, Džeko’s leadership on the field continues to be crucial, especially in a team that is now competing at the highest level in the Nations League.

Bosnia and Herzegovina faces a tough challenge in their opening match against the Netherlands, with their limited firepower making them underdogs. While Džeko’s experience could be a decisive factor in keeping the match competitive, his advanced age makes it difficult for him to keep up with the physical demands of the tournament. As Bosnia looks to the future, it will need to find new stars who can take on the mantle from Džeko and lead them forward. Whether that player is already on the roster or will emerge in the coming years remains to be seen.

Germany and Netherlands: Tuning Their Teams for Success

Both Germany and the Netherlands will be looking to rebound from disappointing campaigns in the European Championship, and the Nations League represents an important opportunity to fine-tune their squads. For Germany, sticking with Nagelsmann will need to pay off, but the pressure is on him to prove that he can extract the best from his squad and find the tactical balance that was lacking in the Euros. For the Netherlands, moving beyond Depay’s over-reliance is a necessary step if they are to compete at the highest level. Their evolving squad should give Koeman the flexibility to test new attacking options and make the most of the fresh talent at his disposal.

The opening round of matches in the Nations League will reveal much about the tactical directions both teams are headed, and whether they have learned from their recent setbacks.