New Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández took a picture during his introduction at the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) office in Zeist, Netherlands, on August 25, 2026.
Dutch all-time top scorer Memphis Depay is not part of Xavi Hernandez’s first squad named on Friday, but captain Virgil van Dijk is included for the match against Germany.
The 32-year-old striker, who now plays for Corinthians in Brazil, has faced a lot of talk about his future after not being a key player during the disappointing World Cup campaign.
Depay has netted 55 goals for the national team but has not scored since November 2025 in a World Cup qualifier against Poland.
The former Barcelona and Manchester United player has struggled with injuries and form lately and even took a pay cut to stay in Brazil.
Veteran forward Wout Weghorst is also missing from the squad, as is Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, who is injured.
Van Dijk had earlier hinted that he might step back from international football after the Netherlands lost to Morocco on penalties in the World Cup round of 32.
But the Liverpool defender is in the team that will face Jurgen Klopp’s Germany in a UEFA Nations League match in Amsterdam on Thursday.
In his first match leading the Dutch team, Xavi has given a squad debut to Ruben van Bommel, the son of Dutch legend Mark.
Half of the 26 players in the Dutch squad are currently playing in the Premier League.
Only three players are from the Dutch Eredivisie, with two from PSV Eindhoven and one from Feyenoord.
Joey Veerman, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, makes a return to the Dutch squad after being away for more than two years.
Xavi has promised to bring back the exciting attacking style that the Netherlands are known for, believing it will help the team improve their results.
By taking over from Ronald Koeman on a four-year contract, Xavi becomes the first foreign manager of the Netherlands in 48 years.
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