Ronaldo leads the way in UEFA Nations League semi-final best XI

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (England) - 7.31 rating 

England were denied a spot in the UEFA Nations League final by the Netherlands, but the 3-1 loss flattered the Three Lions somewhat. Jordan Pickford may have conceded three goals in the defeat in Portugal, but it could have been worse for Gareth Southgate’s side had the goalkeeper not been on hand to make 10 saves, and despite shipping thrice; he did enough to earn a WhoScored rating of 7.31. 

Right-back: Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands) - 7.26 rating 

The first of six Dutch players to feature in this XI, Denzel Dumfries churned out a solid display at right-back for the Oranje on Thursday night to land a WhoScored rating of 7.26. The PSV man made three tackles, two interceptions and two clearances as he put in a fine defensive display and reinforced a WhoScored strength of ‘dribbling’ as he completed three dribbles. 

Centre-back: Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands) - 7.88 rating 

Matthijs de Ligt’s evening started off poorly as he conceded the first half penalty that Marcus Rashford scored from, but he made amends in the second half with his header 15 minutes from time forcing the semi-final meeting with England to extra time. It was another game that showcased his immense talent as the in-demand defender returned a 93.1% pass success rate from 58 passes and won six aerial duels. Three tackles, two clearances and one interception capped a fine showing from the teenager as he gained a WhoScored rating of 7.88. 

Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands) - 7.21 rating 

De Ligt’s central defensive partner on the international stage, Virgil van Dijk features alongside his compatriot in this XI. The Liverpool defender was at his consistent best once more to help the Netherlands to the final as he won four aerial duels and returned a 94.7% pass success rate from 76 passes. Once again, Van Dijk wasn’t dribbled past and it helped return a WhoScored rating of 7.21. 

Left-back: Ben Chilwell (England) - 7.01 rating 

Rounding off the defence, Ben Chilwell put in a decent shift at left-back for England against the Netherlands despite ending up on the losing side. The Leicester man won four aerial duels in the 3-1 defeat, while four interceptions and two tackles returned a WhoScored rating of 7.01 as Chilwell gave another glimpse of his talent. 

Right midfield: Steven Bergwijn (Netherlands) - 7.51 rating 

Another who was hoping to shine on the international stage, Steven Bergwijn may have failed to have a direct hand in a goal against England, but the 21-year-old showed why he is being linked with a Premier League move. Indeed, he completed more dribbles (5) than any other player in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League and was unfortunate not to provide an assist having made three key passes to help gain a WhoScored rating of 7.51. 

Central midfield: Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands) - 7.82 rating 

Football fans were rightly raving about Frenkie de Jong’s performance against England as the Dutch sensation controlled proceedings in the middle of the park. Indeed, De Jong made more passes (105) than any other player in the semi-finals and returned a pass success rate of 96.2%. With additional returns of five tackles and three interceptions, De Jong did enough to land a WhoScored rating of 7.82. Barcelona fans are understandably excited about what he will bring to Camp Nou next season. 

Central midfield: Bernardo Silva (Portugal) - 8.34 rating 

The first Portugal player to make the cut, Bernardo Silva provided the assist for one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s three goals in Portugal’s 3-1 win over Switzerland. That came from one of four key passes in the victory, while off the ball; Silva was at his tenacious best again. No player made more tackles (5) than Silva in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League to help return a WhoScored rating of 8.34. 

Left midfield: Steven Zuber (Switzerland) - 6.73 rating 

The only Switzerland player to make the grade, there were few stand out starting left midfield options and with a WhoScored rating of 6.73, Steven Zuber makes the cut in this XI. It wasn’t a stand out performance from the midfielder, but he did make two key passes and completed one dribble, and won two aerial duels, to feature. 

Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 10.0 rating 

Our player of the semi-finals, Cristiano Ronaldo was excellent as he put Switzerland to the sword in Porto. He bagged a hat-trick, hitting the back of the net with three of five shots in the 3-1 win over Switzerland. With three successful dribbles and one key pass, and a pass success rate of 90.6%, Ronaldo put in a perfect 10 performance against Switzerland. 

Striker: Memphis Depay (Netherlands) - 8.66 rating 

The sixth Dutch player to complete the XI, Memphis Depay did all he could to score against England, having more shots (10) than any other player in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, yet failed to have the beating on Jordan Pickford. To his credit, he managed more key passes (6) than any other player, returning two assists in the process, as the 25-year-old gained a WhoScored rating of 8.66.