Combined XI revealed: Xavi and Jürgen Klopp start Nations League duel

In the Johan Cruijff Arena, where the lights have just come on, the first line‑ups are ready for the Nations League duel between the Netherlands and Germany. Xavi Hernández makes his debut as head coach of the Dutch national team on Thursday evening, while Jürgen Klopp does the same for Germany.

Historical context and new coaches

Both countries ended last year with a disappointment at the World Cup: Germany were eliminated after a penalty shoot‑out against Paraguay, and the Dutch also suffered a penalty trauma. The match gives Klopp and Xavi the chance to start their tenure immediately and to write a new chapter in the history between the two nations.

Klopp, who took over the helm after Germany's round‑of‑32 exit, has submitted a squad of 24 players, including seven newcomers. Xavi has already clarified the striker position by leaving Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst out of the squad.

Combined XI from Voetbalzone

Voetbalzone has placed the expected line‑ups side by side. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen (Netherlands) is listed alongside Marc‑Andre ter Stegen (Germany). Right‑back Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands) is compared with debutant Philipp Treu (Germany). In the central pair are Jonathan Tah (Germany) and Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands), while Jan Paul van Hecke (Germany) is mentioned as an alternative.

Xavi or Klopp: Who starts strong as the Netherlands' head coach?

Left‑back Nathaniel Brown (Germany) is preferred over Micky van de Ven (Netherlands). In midfield, Joshua Kimmich (Germany) is positioned as the deep‑lying playmaker, with the possible return of Joey Veerman (Netherlands) after more than two years of absence. Further, Felix Nmecha (Germany) and Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands) are in the squad, with a preference for the German based on form.

For the number ten position, Voetbalzone selects Jamal Musiala (Germany). On the right wing is Karim Adeyemi (Germany), recently acquired by Barcelona for €22 million, opposite the in‑form Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), who scored a hat‑trick for Sunderland.

The combined line‑up highlights the fresh start for both coaches and sets an exciting tone for the Nations League campaign, in which the two teams compete for first place in Group A2.