Ruben van Bommel leads third-generation family legacy in the Netherlands team | OneFootball

Xavi Hernández began his reign as Netherlands head coach with a 1-1 draw against Germany in Amsterdam on Thursday, but the result was not the only reason the night was significant.

The Spanish coach handed Ruben van Bommel his international debut, making him the third generation of his family to represent the Netherlands.

The young forward received his first senior call-up and was introduced in the closing stages of the second half, immediately making an impact. His pressing helped win the ball back before he played a key role in the move that ended with Cody Gakpo finding the equaliser, rescuing a point for the Dutch.

As his surname suggests, Ruben is the son of Mark van Bommel, the former Netherlands midfielder who is now Belgium head coach.

Mark made 79 appearances for the Netherlands and represented his country at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups. He also enjoyed a decorated club career, playing for the likes of PSV, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan.

The 2010 World Cup is where the family story becomes even more remarkable. Mark was coached by Bert van Marwijk, who led the Netherlands to the final in South Africa, where they lost to Spain.

Van Marwijk is Mark’s father-in-law - and Ruben’s grandfather.

He took charge of the Netherlands in 2008 after leaving Feyenoord and guided the team throughout the 2010 World Cup cycle, eventually finishing as runners-up after defeat to Spain in the final.

Xavi was on the pitch that night.

More than 16 years later, he has now handed Ruben van Bommel his Netherlands debut, completing an extraordinary three-generation connection with the national team.

Ruben could hardly have made a better first impression, helping the Netherlands avoid defeat and giving Xavi an early glimpse of what he can offer as the Dutch begin a new era.