Xavi Announces Netherlands Squad with De Jong's Return for Nations League
The orange shirts are moving differently these days. Since Xavi Hernandez walked into the Netherlands job, the football has looked familiar to Dutch traditionalists: the ball is treasured, the press bites, and the table tells a simple story – top of the group after four games.
With November bringing back‑to‑back Nations League tests against Greece and Germany, Xavi has now pinned his colours to a squad that blends recovery, reward and a few ruthless calls.
De Jong back at the heart of it
The headline is unmistakable. Frenkie de Jong is back.
The Barcelona midfielder, sidelined by a serious knee injury suffered at the last World Cup, has worked his way through rehab and back into the Catalan side, featuring in three recent matches. That was enough for Xavi, who knows better than most how a gifted controller can shape an entire system.
For a coach building his national team around positional play and relentless pressing, De Jong is not just another name on the list. He is the metronome, the escape route, the man who can turn a risky press into a controlled attack with a single swivel of the hips.
Dutch supporters, already daring to dream again, will see his recall as a symbolic moment. The old identity, updated but intact.
Bergwijn left out as new faces keep their place
Every return has a cost. For Steven Bergwijn, the wait goes on.
The Al-Ittihad winger misses out again, a clear sign that Xavi will not pick on reputation. The manager sticks instead with the wide options who have delivered in his early matches: Al-Hilal’s Crysencio Summerville keeps his place, as does Al-Qadsiah midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, whose versatility and energy have impressed.
The message is sharp. Perform in this system, or watch it from home.
Strong start, serious expectations
Eight points from four games. Two wins, two draws. Top of Group 2, level with Greece but ahead on goal difference.
On paper, it is a solid platform. In the stands and on the streets, it feels like more. Dutch fans see a coach openly inspired by Johan Cruyff’s philosophy, not just in slogans but in structure: positional triangles, brave build-up, coordinated pressing that tries to suffocate opponents for as long as legs allow.
The Nations League might not carry the weight of a World Cup or European Championship, but this campaign has become a proving ground. A place to test whether this new Oranje can turn style into steel.
How the squad shapes up
In goal, Xavi keeps faith with a familiar trio: Bart Verbruggen, Mark Flekken and Robin Roefs. No drama, just continuity in a position where calm selection often matters more than headlines.
The defence leans on authority and athleticism. Virgil van Dijk remains the anchor, with Denzel Dumfries offering his usual thunder down the flank. Lutsharel Geertruida, Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven bring a mix of composure and speed, while Ian Maatsen and Jeremie Frimpong add thrust from wide areas. Quinten Timber offers flexibility across the back line and midfield zones, a valuable piece in a system that demands players step into multiple roles during a game.
Midfield is where the identity crystallises. De Jong returns to join Teun Koopmeiners, Reijnders, Joey Veerman, Justin Kluivert, Guus Til and Gjivai Zechiel. It is a group built to keep the ball moving, arrive late in the box and press in waves. Veerman’s passing range, Koopmeiners’ balance, Til’s runs beyond the forwards – all of it fits the positional puzzle Xavi is trying to perfect.
Up front, the options look varied and dangerous. Cody Gakpo’s movement between the lines, Brian Brobbey’s power, Noa Lang’s edge, Donyell Malen’s direct running, Mees Meerdink’s promise, Ruben van Bommel’s intelligence and Summerville’s sharpness give the coach different profiles for different game states. If the structure works behind them, there are enough goals in this group.
The squad in full
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen, Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs.
Defence: Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Lutsharel Geertruida, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Ian Maatsen, Jeremie Frimpong, Quinten Timber.
Midfield: Frenkie de Jong, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Joey Veerman, Justin Kluivert, Guus Til, Guus Til, Gjivai Zechiel.
Attack: Cody Gakpo, Ruben van Bommel, Brian Brobbey, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Mees Meerdink, Crysencio Summerville.
There are rough edges. The double listing of Guus Til underlines how quickly this project is moving and how much still needs sharpening behind the scenes. But the core is clear, the idea unmistakable.
Now comes the real examination. Greece and Germany will not indulge any romantic notions about Cruyffian football reborn. They will test the structure, the legs, the nerve.
If Xavi’s Netherlands come through this window still on top, the talk will shift from hope to expectation – and the old glory days will no longer feel like a distant memory, but a target within reach.
