Xavi’s Oranje: Memphis Depay Dropped, New Talent Emerges
The Xavi era with the Netherlands has begun with a jolt. No gentle transition, no sentimental nods to past heroes. Memphis Depay, chasing the all‑time scoring record for his country, has been dropped.
For years, Memphis has been the face of the Dutch attack. Now, as he searches for his first goal in Brazil with Corinthians, he finds himself on the outside looking in. Xavi has nailed his colours to the mast: current form and match fitness beat history and reputation. It is a clean break from the Ronald Koeman years and a blunt message to the dressing room — nobody is untouchable.
Memphis is not alone. Marten de Roon and Wout Weghorst have also been cut from the squad, trimming away more of the old guard in one sweep. The new national coach is not easing into the job; he is ripping up the hierarchy.
Injuries have played their part too. Frenkie de Jong is still out with the knee problem he suffered at the World Cup, delaying the much-anticipated reunion between the midfielder and his former Barcelona manager. Mats Wieffer also misses out through injury, while Stefan de Vrij’s absence, following his move to Greece, only underlines the sense that his international career is drifting towards its conclusion.
There is, however, a different kind of return that will please Dutch fans. Jurrien Timber is back. The defender, who missed the World Cup and a large chunk of football with a serious knee injury, reappears in the squad and instantly strengthens the back line.
Youth takes centre stage
If the omissions tell one story, the inclusions tell another. Xavi has turned the spotlight firmly onto emerging talent.
Ruben van Bommel, son of former Oranje midfielder Mark van Bommel, earns a call-up after a blistering start to the season with PSV Eindhoven. Fresh from his own cruciate ligament layoff, the winger has already produced two goals and two assists in league play. He is not here on name alone; he is here because he has forced his way into the conversation.
Gjivai Zechiel has done the same at Feyenoord. Now a regular starter, the technical midfielder has added goals to his game, hitting five already this season. That scoring edge from midfield is exactly the kind of profile Xavi has historically trusted.
The rehabilitation of Joey Veerman
Among the most intriguing subplots is Joey Veerman’s return from the cold. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was effectively frozen out under Koeman after a poor display against Austria at Euro 2024. That match sparked a public debate in the Netherlands about whether he could be trusted tactically at this level.
Under Xavi, the slate has been wiped clean. A fresh start in the Bundesliga has helped rebuild Veerman’s case, and the new coach clearly believes the 27‑year‑old still has something to offer. His range of passing and ability to open up defences from deep fits neatly with Xavi’s long‑held demands on central midfielders: high technical quality, bravery on the ball, and the vision to dictate games.
Van Dijk stays on as captain
One of Xavi’s first big off‑pitch victories came before a ball was even kicked. Virgil van Dijk, stung by the World Cup exit to Morocco, had openly suggested he might reconsider his international future. That uncertainty hung over the squad.
Private talks in August changed the picture. The Liverpool defender has now committed to continue as captain, anchoring a back line that still leans heavily on his authority and presence. Around him, Xavi can call on Premier League defenders Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke, giving the Netherlands a modern, mobile defensive core.
Flexibility on Saudi moves
On another sensitive topic, Xavi has shown he will not automatically close the door on players who move to the Middle East. Tijjani Reijnders and Crysencio Summerville both keep their places despite recent transfers to the Saudi Pro League. Form and suitability, not league prestige, appear to be the deciding factors.
Taken together, the first squad of the Xavi era is uncompromising. Big names are out, rising talents are in, and reputations no longer guarantee a seat on the plane. The message is simple: adapt to the new standard, or get left behind.
