Xavi defends Netherlands call-ups for Saudi Roshn League duo | OneFootball

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has defended selecting Al-Hilal’s Crysencio Summerville and Al-Qadsiah player Tijjani Reijnders, stressing he picks on performance rather than league.

Speaking at a Monday press conference amid debate over both decisions, he noted their recent moves, with Summerville leaving West Ham for Al-Hilal and Reijnders swapping Manchester City for Al-Qadsiah. According to Goal.com, the pair are among the most prominent Dutch players to try something beyond Europe.

Asked if a switch from England to Saudi Arabia represented a major drop in standard, he rejected that characterisation, saying the Saudi Roshn League should not automatically rule players out.

When pressed on a perceived gap between the English and Saudi leagues, he maintained that professional football is judged by output. If a player performs and fits the team, he argued, there is no issue, with level and physical condition decisive.

He also referenced his time in the region, pointing out he spent six years in Qatar, so he is comfortable assessing players from nearby competitions.

He added that Saudi clubs compete in the AFC Champions League, which he described as demanding, and suggested any assessment should follow close viewing of the competition.

The stance contrasts with predecessor Ronald Koeman, as Xavi has kept faith with Reijnders and Summerville following their Saudi moves, prioritising individual quality and squad value.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”