Xavi omits Memphis Depay but selects Virgil Van Dijk in first Netherlands squad | OneFootball

Xavi has made a bold call in his first Netherlands squad, leaving out Memphis Depay while naming Virgil Van Dijk.

According to L'Équipe, the 2010 World Cup winner, appointed on 12 August, unveiled his list on Friday for four upcoming Nations League matches.

Depay, the Oranje’s record scorer with 55 goals, is the headline omission. Picked late by Ronald Koeman for the World Cup, the former Lyon forward did not start and did not come on in the elimination against Morocco, 1-1 then 2-3 on penalties. At 32, the Corinthians striker’s international prospects now look increasingly uncertain.

Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons are out injured, while Marten de Roon and Wout Weghorst also miss out.

Van Dijk, the Netherlands captain with 96 caps, is included despite having contemplated a possible international retirement at 35.

Jeremie Frimpong returns after being overlooked by Koeman for the World Cup. Despite surprise summer moves to Saudi Arabia, Crysencio Summerville and Tijjani Reijnders are called up.

There are first senior call-ups for Ruben Van Bommel, 22, son of Mark, and midfielder Gjivai Zechiël, also 22.

Source: L'Équipe

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