Xavi Hernandez overhauls Netherlands selection policy, opens door to players outside Europe | OneFootball

New Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez has scrapped previous selection red lines, confirming that Dutch players based outside Europe will be judged on form. According to Goal.com, he stressed that performances are the only benchmark.

Since taking charge he has removed any hierarchy linked to league status, a marked shift from Ronald Koeman’s stance that questioned ambition in non-European moves. He referenced his years in Qatar with Al Sadd, where he won Qatar Stars League and Qatar Cup titles, as context for a merit-first approach.

Asked about the Saudi league, he said he follows it and considers it a good competition, adding that selections could come from Saudi, the Premier League or La Liga. For him, the league is secondary to the player’s performance.

The shift offers renewed prospects to Tijjani Reijnders, who joined Al-Qadsiah on a four-year deal after Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup. Crysencio Summerville moved to Al Hilal after starring and scoring for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup against Japan and Sweden.

Steven Bergwijn, omitted after his 2024 switch to Al-Ittihad under Koeman, may also take encouragement from the new approach. Memphis Depay, a regular at major tournaments while starring for Corinthians since September 2024, likewise stands to benefit.

With the UEFA Nations League meeting with Germany ahead, the message from the Oranje camp is clear, deliver on the pitch and selection will follow.

Source: Goal.com

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