FORMER Ipswich Town midfielder Arnold Muhren has tipped his homeland to repeat their European Championship success of 1988.

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

Muhren was part of the side that won the tournament in West Germany – and he is confident the current side can return home victorious from Poland and the Ukraine.

Town’s UEFA Cup-winner said: “They have proven themselves by reaching the (2010) World Cup with players with extra quality.

“Of course we are not alone. Spain and Germany also have good teams. It is important that we stay fit.”

Muhren believes the balance of the Dutch in 1988 was perfect, coupled with the inspired performances of Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten.

He added: “In 1988, we had a combination of players who all had something extra. If you want to have a good team, you need a good balance and that’s what we had.

“We had great defenders and Frank Rijkaard, who I think was the best player in the tournament. We had a midfield with everything in it and forwards who could decide matches. The team was actually a great team with different characters but also a team that was full of balance.”

6 comments

  • Actually, when he first arived, he said he had a sore neck, as too many long balls were played. So it was when the ball started being played more to feet, and Frans arrived that it really took off. Cracking player, and in my all time ITFC team left midfield. Not much cop as a tipster, though, to be fair.

    Report this comment

    Kevin Bailey

    Wednesday, June 13, 2012

  • He was a wpnderful player and I feel privileged to have seen him perform at Portman Road. As for the Netherlands, after that horredous defeat to Denmakr it is unlikely that they will take this tournament by storm but they do have the players to exceed expectations even now!

    Report this comment

    FRANK WESTON

    Wednesday, June 13, 2012

  • Just sheer 'class', trouble is we were spoilt !, we, or at least I just didn't fully appreciate at the time just how lucky we were to watch that skillful team, the best team in the olde Division 1 that never won the league !!

    Report this comment

    freedomf

    Saturday, June 9, 2012

  • But Bobby Robson knew they were the final pieces in his jigsaw, as I think he once put it. Unlike PJ who just hopes players will gel.

    Report this comment

    DaveJS

    Friday, June 8, 2012

  • Legend indeed. Will never forget the effect he had on the team's performances when he first arrived, his long range accurate left foot passing able to switch the pattern of play, even better once Frans Thijssen arrived. As for today's Dutch team, if they are anything like they were in South Africa, too physical, too cynical.

    Report this comment

    Andrew Houseley

    Friday, June 8, 2012

  • for me probably the best player ever to wear an ipswich shirt,will we ever see the like again.

    Report this comment

    david peters

    Friday, June 8, 2012

1980-81 The greatest season in Ipswich Town's history. Pre-order your copy here - only £19.81

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Homes24
Jobs24
Drive24
MyDate24
MyPhotos24
FamilyNotices24
MyMoney24
Weddingsite

Visit the East Anglian Daily Times website
Click here to read more of our digital publications

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT