The Dutch national team led by Xavi

The composition of the Dutch national team under the leadership of Xavi

According to Vi.

Context

Ruben Van Bommel, back in the national team after injury, is in excellent form for PSV, making him an important player for the Netherlands in the Nations League. His experience and performance at the club could be key factors for the national team's success on the international stage, including preparations for El Mundial 2026.

Why is this important

The composition of the Dutch national team under the leadership of Javi Hernandez was an important step in the recovery of the team after a poor performance at the 2022 World Cup. The inclusion of Ruben Van Bommel and Givi Zekil underlines the new manager's desire to renew himself and find fresh solutions. The absence of Memphis Depay, the national team's leading scorer, raises questions about the future of the team and its attacking capabilities.

Key takeaways

• The composition of the Dutch national team under the leadership of Xavi.
• Xavi Hernandez announced his first squad for the Netherlands, which included Van Bommel and Zekiel, but did not include Memphis Depay.
• Dit is de Oranje-selectie van Xavi: Van Bommel en Zechiël, geen Memphis.

Xavi Hernandez, the new head coach of the Netherlands, has announced his first squad, which includes Ruben Van Bommel and Givi Zekiel. The return of Joey Wierman was a welcome surprise, while Memphis Depay, the team's all-time leading scorer, was left out of the squad. Virgil Van Dijk is also in the squad, which is an encouraging sign for fans.

Van Bommel, who recently returned from a cruciate ligament injury, has shown excellent form, scoring two goals and providing two assists early in the season for PSV. Zekiel, after a successful loan spell at FC Utrecht, has secured his place in the Feyenoord first team and has already scored five goals this season.

Following the split with Ronald Koeman and the appointment of Xavi, expectations for changes to the squad have become higher. After a poor performance at the World Cup, where the Netherlands were eliminated in the round of 16 by Morocco, the football community was calling for a fresh look at the team.

At a press conference at the end of August, Xavi did not reveal many details about his first line-up, but said he planned to meet Van Dijk. The Liverpool captain later confirmed that his future with the national team depended on this conversation with the new coach, and he decided to continue playing for the national team.

Frenkie de Jong, who was also expected to face Xavi, was unable to attend due to a knee injury suffered at the World Cup. Other absentees include experienced players Maarten de Rhone and Ut Weghorst, as well as PSV's Guus Thiel and the injured Mats Weiffer.

However, the good news is the return of Virman. The 27-year-old midfielder has not been called up to the national team since his poor performance at Euro 2024, sparking public debate. After moving from PSV to Borussia Dortmund, he again received a chance from Xavi.

It will be interesting to watch how Xavi deals with the challenge of selecting Tijani Reinder and Crisencio Summerville, who opted to move to Saudi Arabia, but both players are nevertheless included in the squad. However, 34-year-old Stefan de Vrij, who has already played for the national team on several occasions, missed out on the call-up, moving from Inter to Panathinaikos, while Matthijs de Ligt is absent due to injury.

The Dutch national team will meet early next week to prepare for the first four matches of the Nations League. The first opponent will be Germany under new coach Jurgen Klopp at the Johan Cruyff Arena. This will be followed by two matches against Serbia and a meeting with Greece in the extended international window. Considering the upcoming matches, Xavi has chosen a squad of 26 players, which will allow him to work more effectively with the team and evaluate each player in the process.

What happens next

The Netherlands national team is preparing for the upcoming matches in the Nations League, where Xavi will strive to establish interaction between the players and introduce his tactical ideas. What matters is how Van Bommel and Zekiel perform on the pitch to prove their value to the team. It is also worth expecting that conversations with Virgil Van Dijk could affect his participation in future matches and the overall health of the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Dutch national team?

Xavi Hernandez announced his first squad, which included Ruben Van Bommel and Givi Zekiel, but Memphis Depay did not make the team.

Who has confirmed their participation in the Dutch national team?

Virgil Van Dijk confirmed that he will continue to play for the national team after a conversation with new coach Xavi.

Why did the composition of the Dutch national team change now?

The changes to the squad come after the split with Ronald Koeman and a poor performance at the World Cup prompted calls for a fresh look at the team.

What changes have occurred in the Dutch national team?

Joey Wierman has returned to the squad, but Memphis Depay, the team's all-time leading scorer, is absent.

Which players were not included in the Dutch national team?

The squad did not include Memphis Depay, Martin de Rhone, Ut Weghorst, Guus Thiel and the injured Mats Weiffer.

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