Xavi has made an immediate statement in his first Netherlands squad, leaving out all-time leading scorer Memphis Depay for the Oranje’s next four Nations League matches.
The former Spain midfielder, appointed Netherlands head coach on 12 August, announced his first selection on Friday and did not include the Corinthians forward, despite Depay’s record of 55 international goals.
Depay, 32, was only narrowly retained by Ronald Koeman for the World Cup squad and his tournament brought little involvement. The former Lyon attacker did not start a match and remained unused in the draw with Morocco before the Netherlands went out 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 scoreline. His omission under the new coach leaves his international future in serious doubt.
Van Dijk stays involved despite retirement thoughts
Virgil van Dijk has been selected, even though the 35-year-old had considered ending his Netherlands career. The national-team captain, who has won 96 caps, remains part of Xavi’s plans for the Nations League window.
Jeremie Frimpong is back in the group after being excluded from Koeman’s World Cup selection. Crysencio Summerville and Tijjani Reijnders have also kept their places despite their unexpected summer moves to Saudi Arabia.
Injuries and fresh faces shape Xavi’s first call-up
Frenkie de Jong and Xavi Simons are unavailable through injury, while Marten de Roon and Wout Weghorst have also been left out.
There are two first-time call-ups in the squad. Ruben van Bommel, the 22-year-old son of former Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel, earns his first invitation, as does 22-year-old midfielder Gjivai Zechiël.
It is a squad announcement that gives Xavi a clear early marker: established names remain important, but reputation alone will not secure a place as the Oranje begin a new Nations League cycle.
