Davids backing Dutch firepower

Edgar Davids played in three European Championships for Netherlands, twice losing out at the semi-final stage. A combative midfielder with the ability to create, Davids was one of the most recognisable faces on the international scene over an 11-year period with the Dutch side. Davids retired from football in 2010 after a short-lived spell with Crystal Palace, but before that enjoyed a distinguished career which took him from Ajax to AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.

 A winner of one Champions League, UEFA Cup and European Super Cup, three Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, three Eredivisie championships, two Dutch Cups and the Intercontinental Cup, Davids landed just about every trophy there was to win at club level.

As the Dutch prepare for Euro 2012, still looking to add to their only major title of the 1988 Euros in Germany, Davids is advocating an attacking approach for Bert van Marwijk's side in a tough group of Germany, Portugal and Denmark. Netherlands have two of the most prolific strikers in Europe, with Robin van Persie netting 30 goals for Arsenal and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar plundering 29 for Schalke while also finishing as the leading scorer in qualifying for the finals. Van Marwijk faces a dilemma over how to fit both into the Dutch system, with some suggesting Wesley Sneijder could be forced to make way after a disappointing season with Inter. Sneijder started four of Inter's last five matches, missing the final day defeat at Lazio, after a frustrating battle for fitness and form all season.

 But Davids insists the midfielder will be crucial to Dutch hopes of success. "Sneijder has to play," Davids told ESPN. "He showed in his last games [for Inter Milan] he was hungry, he was aggressive again, he was determined and he doesn't have the physical damage that a season brings to you. "I would play Klass-Jan Huntelaar, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Sneijder.

You have Huntelaar as a striker, Van Persie coming in from the left and also Robben on the other side. Why should you choose? They [Van Persie and Huntelaar] have scored so many goals, I think that's common sense. "Huntelaar grew at Schalke. People think it's easy to play in a foreign country but it's not only about the game as you have to adapt, adapting is key. The quicker you adapt, then the stronger you are and the more successful you can be. But I don't think he's capable of winning the Golden Boot, that normally goes to someone who has been playing in the Champions League."

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