Xavi Leaves Depay Out of First Netherlands Squad as New Faces Arrive

Xavi has made an immediate statement in his first Netherlands squad, omitting Memphis Depay as he begins a new international cycle built around current club form, fitness and emerging players. Depay, still pursuing the Dutch all-time scoring mark, has yet to score for Corinthians in Brazil and will not be involved in the forthcoming window.

A selection built on renewal rather than reputation

The absence of Depay is the clearest indication that Xavi is prepared to move on from established figures. Wout Weghorst and Marten de Roon have also not been selected, while Stefan de Vrij appears to be nearing the end of his Oranje involvement after his transfer to Greece.

Frenkie de Jong remains unavailable because of the knee injury suffered at the World Cup, delaying a reunion with his former Barcelona coach. Mats Wieffer is another injury absentee.

Virgil van Dijk, however, remains central to the project. The Liverpool defender had suggested he could reassess his Netherlands future after the World Cup defeat to Morocco, but confirmed he would carry on as captain following talks with Xavi in August.

1. De Jong sustained a knee injury during the World Cup and remains out of contention.
2. Van Dijk considered his international future after the loss to Morocco before agreeing to continue as captain in August.
3. Joey Veerman fell out of favour after his display against Austria at Euro 2024.
4. Xavi’s first squad restores Veerman and introduces Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel, while Depay is left out.

Young midfielders earn places

PSV forward Ruben van Bommel has been rewarded after returning from a cruciate ligament injury with two league goals and two assists. The son of former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel is among the younger players given an opportunity in the new manager’s first group.

Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiel is included after becoming a regular starter and scoring five times this season. His selection adds another technically inclined option to a midfield unit that includes Ryan Gravenberch, Teun Koopmeiners and Quinten Timber.

Veerman’s return is another notable decision. The Borussia Dortmund player had been marginalised under Ronald Koeman following the Austria match at Euro 2024, when questions over his suitability became a public issue. His form since moving to the Bundesliga has earned him a fresh chance, with his passing range from deeper areas offering a potential fit for Xavi’s preferred midfield structure.

Defensive experience remains in place

Although the squad contains significant change elsewhere, the back line retains senior leadership. Van Dijk is joined by Premier League-based defenders Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Jurrien Timber and Jorrel Hato, along with Nathan Aké, Denzel Dumfries, Jeremie Frimpong and Lutsharel Geertruida.

Timber is back in the national setup after a serious knee injury kept him out for an extended period, including the World Cup. Xavi has also retained Tijjani Reijnders and Crysencio Summerville despite their recent moves to Saudi Pro League clubs, showing that a transfer to the Middle East has not automatically ruled players out of selection.

• Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst and Marten de Roon are the principal senior omissions.
• Frenkie de Jong and Mats Wieffer miss out through injury.
• Van Dijk will continue as Netherlands captain after discussions with Xavi.
• Van Bommel, Zechiel and the recalled Veerman represent the most prominent renewal choices.
• Timber returns after a long-term knee problem.

Netherlands squad for the international window

Goalkeepers

Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Defenders

Nathan Aké (Fenerbahçe), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Lutsharel Geertruida (PSV), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea), Jan Paul van Hecke (Tottenham Hotspur), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders

Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Tijjani Reijnders (Al-Qadsiah), Kenneth Taylor (Lazio), Quinten Timber (Crystal Palace), Joey Veerman (Borussia Dortmund), Gjivai Zechiel (Feyenoord).

Forwards

Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Ruben van Bommel (PSV), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Napoli), Donyell Malen (AS Roma), Crysencio Summerville (Al-Hilal).