Xavi Hernandez names first Netherlands squad, leaving out Memphis Depay | OneFootball

According to Goal.com, new Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has named his first 26-man squad for the UEFA Nations League, omitting Memphis Depay. The selection blends established figures with emerging Eredivisie standouts handed maiden call-ups.

Depay, who is chasing the national scoring record, misses out while still seeking his first goal in Brazil with Corinthians. Xavi is seen to have prioritised fitness and form over reputation, marking a definitive break from the Ronald Koeman era.

Veterans Marten de Roon and Wout Weghorst are also overlooked, while Frenkie de Jong stays out with the knee injury suffered at the World Cup and Mats Wieffer is sidelined as well. After his move to Greece, Stefan de Vrij’s international career appears to be winding down. The squad is lifted by Jurrien Timber’s return from a serious knee injury.

PSV’s Ruben van Bommel, son of Mark van Bommel, is rewarded for a blistering start after a cruciate ligament lay-off, with two goals and two assists in the league. Feyenoord’s Gjivai Zechiel has impressed as a regular starter, already scoring five this season.

One of the key subplots is Joey Veerman’s rehabilitation. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder fell out of favour under Koeman after a poor display against Austria at Euro 2024 and a public debate over his tactical fit. A bright Bundesliga start has convinced Xavi the 27-year-old still has a part to play, his passing from deep potentially valuable in a system that prizes technical quality in midfield.

Captain Virgil van Dijk had hinted at weighing up his international future after the World Cup exit to Morocco. Following talks with Xavi in August, he confirmed he would continue to lead the team. He anchors a defence that includes Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke, while Tijjani Reijnders and Crysencio Summerville keep their places despite recent moves to the Saudi Pro League.

Source: Goal.com

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