Everton fans will be waiting for the Ronald Koeman bubble to burst with the Netherlands

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It was initially laughed at, but football fans across Europe have been won over by the UEFA Nations League. Pitting nations of similar ability up against each other in competitive action, it has proved to be a big hit instead of meaningless friendlies.

Especially for England, Portugal and Switzerland, all three perhaps surprise finalists in the competition considering the absence of France, Croatia, Belgium, Germany and Spain.

The Netherlands are the fourth team in the competition, which must also come as a shock. Especially to Everton fans.

Ronald Koeman has turned around the fortunes of the Dutch team after their disastrous attempt to qualify for the World Cup in Russia. Holland missed out on the tournament, ultimately, because of a defeat to Bulgaria in March 2017. France and Sweden ended up finishing ahead of the Dutch.

After that failure, Koeman was appointed as the replacement for Dick Advocaat. It came just three months after being sacked by Everton.

After an impressive first season at Goodison Park, he seemed to lose his grip on the team in his second term. Disjointed, unorganised and frail, Everton were looking like relegation candidates when he was given the boot.

Now, a year later, he is the toast of his nation after turning the Netherlands back into a force. The past 12 months have seen 3-0 wins over Portugal and Germany as well as a 2-0 win against World Champions France.

Everton fans will remember this phase of Koeman’s management. The first 12 months can be great. But many will be waiting for the bubble to burst. Hopefully, if the Oranje have to face England, that might be the perfect time.