Lithuania 2-3 Netherlands Player Ratings: Memphis Depay 9/10 Rated as Netherlands Secures Thrilling 3-2 Victory

The Netherlands travelled to Lithuania for their second World Cup qualifying game on September 7, 2025. They looked hungry after a close stalemate draw against Poland in their last game. From the get-go, the Netherlands National Football Team dominated possession while the home side comfortably stayed in defensive settings. The visitors continued to pile pressure on the home team. Resulting in the opening goal of the night, Memphis Depay calmly finished a close-range shot in the six-yard box, but it was Cody Gakpo who made it all happen with an accurate left-footed cross into the box. The Oranje continued to move the ball with intent, but the home side was defending pretty deeply and somehow saw out most of the attacks.

Until they made a blunder just outside their own penalty box, Males tried to cut back a pass to Timber, but met Lekiatas' tackles; still, the ball managed to ricochet back to Timber, and he didn't make any mistake. Doubled the lead for his team. But wait, Lithuania have scored with a goal within a few minutes. The move started with a brilliant solo run from Lekiatas before sliding up a pass to Genetis, who made no mistake bringing the game back to 1-goal difference. And we're back to square with the home side scoring the equaliser just before the half-time through Edvinas Girdvainis' strike. Game on, guys! Dutch controlled the tempo of the game, but couldn't find the game-defining ball in the final third until the 63rd minute. Memphis Depay gave his team the lead with a header. Here are the Lithuania vs Netherlands player ratings.

Netherlands Player Ratings vs Lithuania

Here are the Netherlands player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Bart Verbruggen - 6.0: A difficult evening for the young keeper. He was left exposed for both of Lithuania's goals. Only made one save throughout the entire game. We noticed he seemed a bit hesitant on crosses. It wasn't a performance that inspired confidence, to be honest. He’ll want to forget this one quickly.

Defenders

Virgil van Dijk - 7.5: A composed figure in a chaotic backline. He had over 100 touches and his passing was immaculate as usual. Won the majority of his aerial duels and tried to organize the defence when Lithuania surged back. A true captain’s performance, but even he couldn't stop the first-half collapse completely. Still, a solid outing.

Nathan Aké - 6.5: Had a decent game before being substituted after the hour mark. He was tidy in possession and made a couple of key tackles. The defence looked a bit shakier after he went off. What stood out to us was his ability to progress the ball from the back. A shame his evening was cut short.

Stefan de Vrij - 6.5: Incredibly accurate with his passing, almost never giving it away. However, he was part of a defence that shockingly conceded two quick goals. Like Aké, he was substituted around the 62nd minute as the manager sought changes. A mixed performance from our perspective.

Denzel Dumfries - 7.5: A constant menace down the right flank. He provided the assist for Depay's second goal with a great cross. Always looking to get forward, he was one of the Netherland's main attacking outlets. Defensively, he was caught out a couple of times but his offensive contribution was vital.

Midfielders

Quinten Timber - 8.0: A fantastic performance capped with a well-taken goal. He was a bundle of energy in the midfield, winning duels and driving forward. Wasn't afraid to have a shot and looked like one of the few Dutch players with real urgency in the first half. A really impressive display.

Tijjani Reijnders - 5.5: A surprisingly quiet game from a player we expected more from. He struggled to get into the rhythm of the match and was largely ineffective. It was no surprise to see him substituted after an hour. A definite off-day for him.

Jerdy Schouten - 7.0: The unsung hero in midfield. He kept the play ticking over, recycling possession effectively. He also did his defensive duties diligently, making important recoveries and tackles. A solid, disciplined performance that provided balance to the team.

Forwards

Memphis Depay - 9.0: The man of the match, without a shadow of a doubt. He scored two crucial goals, including the winner that saved his team's blushes. He was a constant threat, taking five shots and always looking to make something happen. From our perspective, he was on a different level today.

Cody Gakpo - 8.5: A phenomenal creative force. He provided an assist and created three big chances for his teammates. Was incredibly unlucky not to score himself, hitting the woodwork in the second half. His dribbling and pace caused endless problems for the Lithuanian defence. A top performance.

Donyell Malen - 6.0: A frustrating night for the winger. He worked tirelessly but his final product was lacking. Lost possession far too many times. Had a shot on target saved late on but he'll be disappointed with his overall contribution.

Substitutes

Jurriën Timber - 6.5: Came on and helped solidify the defence.

Micky van de Ven - 6.5: Added pace and energy to the backline.

Sem Steijn - 6.0: Kept the ball moving in midfield.

Wout Weghorst - N/A: Didn't have enough time to make an impact.

Matthijs de Ligt - N/A: Brought on to see out the game.

Manager

R. Koeman - 6.5: His team secured the win, but the manner of it was alarming. The first-half defensive collapse against Lithuania is a major red flag. His second-half substitutions helped regain control, but he needs to address the team's fragility.

Lithuania Player Ratings vs Netherlands

Here are the Lithuania player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Edvinas Gertmonas - 6.5: He conceded three goals, but it could have been far more. He made four important saves, a few of which were top-class. His distribution was poor, but his shot-stopping kept his team in the contest for large periods. A valiant effort.

Defenders

Edvinas Girdvainis - 8.0: An absolute warrior at the back. He scored a fantastic header to equalize and made an incredible 13 clearances. He threw his body on the line time and time again. What stood out to us was his sheer determination. A heroic performance.

Justas Lasickas - 6.5: The captain had a difficult task against the Dutch attack. He picked up a yellow card but also provided a superb assist. He battled hard and led by example, even when his team was under immense pressure. A committed display.

Vilius Armalas - 7.0: Another defender who can hold his head high. He was a rock, making numerous tackles and clearances. Put in a real shift and showed great resilience against a top-quality forward line. A very strong defensive outing.

Klaudijus Upstas - 4.5: A nightmare of a game for the defender. His error led directly to a Dutch goal. He seemed to struggle with the pace of the game and was eventually forced off with an injury. A day he will want to forget.

Rokas Lekiatas - 6.5: Put in a solid defensive performance with 8 clearances. He was part of a backline that was under siege but he stood his ground well. He was composed and did his job without much fuss.

Midfielders

Artūr Dolžnikov - 5.5: He worked hard off the ball but was very wasteful in possession. He made a few important defensive contributions but offered little going forward. Substituted in the second half after a tireless but ineffective performance.

Gratas Sirgėdas - 5.0: Almost completely anonymous. He struggled to make any impact on the game and was subbed off. From our perspective, the game just passed him by. A very quiet evening for him.

Gvidas Gineitis - 8.5: The star of the show for Lithuania. He scored one goal and assisted another, showing immense quality and composure. He was the creative spark that brought his team back into the game. An outstanding performance against elite opposition.

Domantas Antanavičius - 5.0: Another midfielder who had a very quiet first half. He was substituted at the break after failing to get involved in the play. He just couldn't get a foothold in the game.

Forwards

Romualdas Jansonas - 5.0: A tough and thankless task leading the line. He was isolated for most of his time on the pitch. Fought for aerial balls but had very little service. Substituted at halftime.

Substitutes

Gytis Paulauskas - 6.0: Brought more of a physical presence upfront.

Modestas Vorobjovas - 6.0: Added some stability to the midfield.

Markas Beneta - 6.0: Filled in adequately after coming on for the injured Upstas.

Paulius Golubickas - 5.5: Worked hard but got a late yellow card.

Vaidas Magdusauskas - N/A: Came on late with little time to influence the game.

Manager

E. Jankauskas - 7.5: He can be incredibly proud of his team. To be 2-0 down against the Netherlands and fight back to 2-2 shows immense character. His tactics were brave, and his players gave everything for him. A loss, but a performance full of heart.