Following a 2-2 draw against Japan, Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong addressed the criticism frequently directed at key players after disappointing national team results. He acknowledged that prominent players inevitably face heightened scrutiny. De Jong suggested that the Netherlands team possesses a degree of unpredictability, which, in a way, deflects blame when performances fall short. This inherent unpredictability means expectations are less fixed, offering a buffer against harsh judgment. He implies that this dynamic allows the team to operate with a certain freedom from constant pressure. The comments came in response to post-match analysis following the World Cup 2026 qualifying match.