Xavi's Netherlands Squad Revolution: No Place for Memphis Depay
Xavi’s Oranje revolution starts with a shock: no Memphis Depay.
The new Netherlands head coach has wasted no time in drawing a hard line, cutting one of the nation’s modern icons from his first squad and sending an unmistakable message – past glory no longer guarantees a seat on the plane.
Memphis, still chasing the all-time scoring record for his country, has been left out for the upcoming international window as he continues to search for his first goal in Brazil with Corinthians. Xavi has nailed his colours to the mast: current sharpness and club form trump reputation. After the more loyal, continuity-driven Ronald Koeman years, this is a clean break. No sacred cows.
Big names out, new era in
Memphis is the headline omission, but he’s not standing alone at the exit door. Marten de Roon and Wout Weghorst have also been discarded, more evidence that Xavi is trimming the old guard to reshape the squad in his own image.
Injuries add another layer to this first list. Frenkie de Jong is still out with the knee problem he picked up at the World Cup, delaying a much-anticipated reunion with his former Barcelona coach. Mats Wieffer is also unavailable, while Stefan de Vrij’s international days look to be fading after his move to Greece, his name now more on the periphery than at the heart of selection debates.
There is better news at the back, though. Jurrien Timber returns after his long lay-off with a serious knee injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. His comeback offers Xavi a versatile, technically clean defender right in tune with the style the coach demands.
Youth takes centre stage
If the cuts are ruthless, the promotions are bold.
Ruben van Bommel, son of former Oranje midfielder Mark van Bommel, rides a surge of early-season form straight into the national team. The PSV Eindhoven winger has burst back from a cruciate ligament injury with two goals and two assists in league play, and Xavi has clearly taken note. This is the type of high-tempo, fearless form that gets rewarded in the new regime.
Gjivai Zechiel is another fresh face forcing his way into the conversation. Now a regular starter at Feyenoord, the technical midfielder has added a cutting edge to his game, already scoring five times this season. That blend of craft and penalty-box instinct fits neatly with Xavi’s preference for midfielders who can both dictate and decide games.
Veerman’s redemption arc
One of the most compelling subplots in this squad list is the return of Joey Veerman.
Under Ronald Koeman, the Borussia Dortmund playmaker became almost untouchable – and not in a good way. A poor showing against Austria at Euro 2024 triggered a fierce debate in the Dutch media about his tactical fit at international level, and he slipped out of the picture amid questions over whether he could really be trusted in big games.
A move to the Bundesliga has changed the mood. Veerman’s fresh start in Germany has convinced Xavi that the 27-year-old still has something to offer at the top level. His range of passing and ability to unlock packed defences from deep align with a system that demands high technical quality in central areas. If Xavi wants his midfield to control tempo and slice lines, Veerman suddenly looks less like a luxury and more like a potential key.
Van Dijk commits to the cause
At the back, the most important decision has already been made off the pitch. Virgil van Dijk is staying.
The captain had hinted he might walk away from the international scene after the painful World Cup exit to Morocco, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the leadership of the team. Private talks with Xavi in August changed the picture. The Liverpool defender has now confirmed he will continue to lead the side, giving the new coach a stable pillar in the dressing room and on the pitch.
Van Dijk anchors a defence that also includes Premier League standouts Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke, a trio that offers a mix of pace, power and composure on the ball. It’s a back line built to play high and brave, exactly how Xavi wants his teams to defend.
No blanket ban on Saudi moves
One thing Xavi has not done is impose a moral or sporting embargo on players heading to the Middle East.
Tijjani Reijnders and Crysencio Summerville both keep their places despite recent transfers to the Saudi Pro League. Rather than drawing a red line through that destination, Xavi has judged them on performances and physical condition. If they deliver, they stay.
The message is clear. Status alone won’t save you. A league switch won’t automatically sink you. Under Xavi, the Netherlands shirt belongs to those who are fit, firing and fearless. The question now is how quickly this ruthless reset can turn promise into trophies.
