Frenkie de Jong Returns as Oranje Prepares for Nations League Deciders
Coach Xavi Hernández balances tactical flexibility and player fitness for upcoming international fixtures.
1Oranje Squad Gathers in Zeist
The Dutch national team has commenced training in Zeist with a 23-man squad for the final Nations League matches. Head coach Xavi Hernández is preparing his side for upcoming encounters against Greece on Friday and Germany on Monday. The group aims to secure positive results in these high-stakes international fixtures.
2De Jong's Tactical Versatility
Frenkie de Jong returns to the national team after missing four matches due to a knee injury. While he has played as a central defender and right-back for Barcelona recently, Xavi insists he remains a midfielder. The coach values his ability to create numerical advantages and control the game's tactical flow.
3The Veerman-De Jong Dilemma
Joey Veerman has excelled as a defensive midfielder during De Jong's absence, earning praise at Borussia Dortmund for his simplicity and decision-making. Xavi is considering whether to pair the two in a double-pivot formation. He dismissed concerns about compatibility, citing his own historical partnership with Andrés Iniesta as a successful precedent.
4Striker Fitness and Selection
Brian Brobbey, who recently recovered from a hamstring injury, is under medical observation after playing for Sunderland. Xavi emphasized the need to manage player workloads carefully to prevent recurring injuries. Meanwhile, Memphis Depay remains excluded from the squad as the coach prefers strikers with different profiles for the current tactical setup.
5Malen's Search for Form
Donyell Malen enters the camp as a prolific scorer in Serie A, having netted 22 goals in 2026. Despite his club success, he has yet to score in seven appearances for the Netherlands this year. Xavi plans to provide him with confidence and clear instructions to replicate his club-level productivity.
6Midfield Competition Intensifies
The return of fit players like Justin Kluivert and Frenkie de Jong forced difficult selection choices, leading to the exclusion of Lazio midfielder Kenneth Taylor. Xavi acknowledged the difficulty of this decision but noted that Taylor could return in future periods if he maintains his current high performance level in Italy.
7Managing Club-Country Relations
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris expressed concerns regarding Brobbey's fitness following his previous injury during the last international break. While Xavi remains open to dialogue with club coaches, he maintains that the primary priority is the health and protection of the players during their time with the national team setup.
8Strategic Outlook for Nations League
These matches against Greece and Germany serve as a critical test for Xavi's evolving tactical vision. By integrating returning stars like De Jong while managing the form of attackers like Malen, the coaching staff aims to solidify the team's identity. Success depends on balancing individual talent with collective defensive stability.
Original article: NOS Sport — Frenkie de Jong Returns as Oranje Prepares for Nations League Deciders