Giovanni van Bronckhorst believes Holland boss Marco van Basten's decision to place his faith in the country's next generation of footballers has been vindicated.

The Dutch were unbeaten in qualifying for this summer's World Cup, despite losing the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Frank de Boer, Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars, Boudewijn Zenden and Jaap Stam after the 2004 European Championships.

And Barcelona left-back Van Bronckhorst, who is chasing a Primera Liga and Champions League double with his club ahead of this summer's tournament in Germany, thinks Holland's current crop have proved more than adequate replacements.

"Seedorf, De Boer, Kluivert, Overmars, Zenden and Stam quit and some other young players arrived, who are only 20 or 21 and will play their first World Cup," he told Colombian newspaper El Espectador.

"Van Basten trusts them and results are there, as we've made it into the World Cup with authority."

When asked which of the new breed stands out, he said: "The best is Arjen Robben, who plays at Chelsea.

"He has everything to be a star: skill, speed and goals. Unfortunately, he is beset by injuries. I also like (Arsenal's Robin) van Persie."

The 30-year-old Van Bronckhorst rates defending champions Brazil as the team to beat in the finals, adding: "We're in the second group of national teams, with England, Italy and Argentina."

Argentina will be Holland's final opponents in Group C, after they play Serbia & Montenegro and the Ivory Coast in arguably the competition's most difficult pool.

"I have no doubt we're in the Group of Death," Van Bronckhorst added.

"All our opponents are dangerous and we'll have to play well to book a place in the last 16."

As well as looking forward to the climax of the most important season of his career, Van Bronckhorst also has the added distraction of awaiting the birth of his second son.

However, his focus is unwavering.

"I want to win titles with my team and the national team," he said.