Joey Veerman earns Netherlands recall after Borussia Dortmund move

Joey Veerman has returned to the Netherlands squad for the first time since the Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to England, with the Borussia Dortmund midfielder calling his international recall a fresh start under new coach Xavi.

What changed for the club

The 27-year-old has earned his place back in the Dutch group after moving from PSV to Borussia Dortmund during the summer. He has settled quickly in Germany, where his early performances have strengthened his case for an international return after a two-year absence.

Veerman arrived at the Netherlands training base in Zeist pleased to rejoin the squad and made clear that he is not dwelling on the period outside the selection.

“I made a great transfer, and now it is a new beginning for me with the Dutch national team,” Veerman said. “So why would I look back on that? There is absolutely no point. That transfer to Dortmund has been amazing for me.”

His immediate objective is to establish himself in Xavi’s plans rather than revisit the circumstances of his previous call-up. Veerman has been used regularly in a two-player central midfield at Dortmund and wants the opportunity to operate from his preferred deeper midfield role for the Netherlands.

Competition context

Veerman believes the move from the VriendenLoterij Eredivisie to the Bundesliga has increased the physical and competitive demands on him. Now based in Germany with his family, he has pointed to the intensity of daily training and the stronger depth throughout the division.

He contrasted PSV’s domestic schedule with the level he has encountered at Dortmund, including home matches against sides such as Paderborn.

“It’s different training, different intensity,” he said. “You notice that it is different in the German league. A home game against Paderborn is different from a home game with PSV against lower teams in the Eredivisie.”

The midfielder has also had his first tactical meetings with Xavi and welcomed the coach’s emphasis on controlling possession and building an attacking structure. That approach could suit Veerman’s passing range if he is handed a role in the centre of the side.

What is scheduled next

The Netherlands are preparing for their forthcoming Nations League matches, with Veerman aiming to turn his Dortmund form into minutes at international level.

• Veerman’s most recent Netherlands appearance was the Euro 2024 semi-final against England.
• He has now joined the squad in Zeist for the Nations League programme.
• The Dortmund midfielder is seeking to win a place in Xavi’s midfield after two years away from the national team.