Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer

Dutch soccer is a paradox. It is a country with a relatively small population and a limited footballing tradition, yet it has produced some of the greatest players and teams in the history of the game. The Dutch are known for their innovative style of play, their attacking flair, and their ability to produce moments of breathtaking brilliance. But they are also known for their emotional rollercoaster, their tendency to self-destruct, and their inability to consistently perform at the highest level.

Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer

by David Winner

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer, David Winner explores this paradox, delving into the history, philosophy, and psychology of Dutch soccer to understand what makes it so unique. Winner argues that the Dutch are a "neurotic genius" - a team of brilliant individuals who are often their own worst enemies. He examines the factors that have contributed to this paradox, including the Dutch culture of individualism, the country's history of conflict and division, and the intense pressure that Dutch players feel to succeed.

Total Football

The Dutch are most famous for their style of play known as "Total Football." Total Football is a system of play in which every player is capable of playing in multiple positions, and the team moves as a fluid unit, with players constantly interchanging positions. This system of play allows the Dutch to create a high level of attacking movement and to maintain possession of the ball for long periods of time.

Total Football was developed by the Dutch coach Rinus Michels in the early 1970s. Michels believed that the best way to win matches was to control the ball and to create as many scoring opportunities as possible. He also believed that the best way to defend was to attack, and that the best way to attack was to move the ball quickly and accurately.

Total Football was a revolutionary concept at the time, and it helped the Dutch team to achieve great success in the 1970s and 1980s. The Dutch team won the European Championship in 1988 and were runners-up in the World Cup in 1974 and 1978.

Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff is the greatest Dutch soccer player of all time. He was a brilliant attacking midfielder who was known for his dribbling skills, his vision, and his ability to score goals. Cruyff played for Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands national team, and he won three Ballon d'Or awards.

Cruyff was a key member of the Dutch team that won the European Championship in 1988. He was also the coach of the Dutch team that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1998.

Cruyff's influence on Dutch soccer is immeasurable. He was a pioneer of Total Football, and he helped to develop a generation of Dutch players who played with flair and creativity.

The Neurotic Genius

The Dutch are a "neurotic genius" because they are a team of brilliant individuals who are often their own worst enemies. The Dutch are known for their emotional rollercoaster, their tendency to self-destruct, and their inability to consistently perform at the highest level.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the Dutch neurotic genius. One factor is the Dutch culture of individualism. The Dutch are a proud and independent people, and they believe in their own abilities. This can lead to a lack of teamwork and a tendency to go it alone.

Another factor that contributes to the Dutch neurotic genius is the country's history of conflict and division. The Netherlands has a long history of religious and political conflict, and this has led to a deep-seated sense of insecurity. This insecurity can manifest itself in a number of ways, including a tendency to be self-critical and a lack of self-belief.

Finally, the Dutch players feel intense pressure to succeed. The Netherlands is a small country with a limited footballing tradition, and the Dutch players are expected to perform at the highest level. This pressure can be overwhelming, and it can lead to a number of problems, including burnout and a loss of confidence.

The Dutch are a paradoxical team. They are brilliant and creative, but they are also neurotic and self-destructive. They are capable of moments of breathtaking brilliance, but they are also prone to spectacular collapse. This paradox is what makes Dutch soccer so fascinating. It is a team that is always on the edge, always on the verge of greatness.

In Brilliant Orange, David Winner explores the paradox of Dutch soccer, delving into the history, philosophy, and psychology of the game to understand what makes it so unique. Winner's book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Dutch soccer or in the psychology of sport.

Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer

by David Winner

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE