Meerdink, Xavi's new gem who terrified Lamine and Nico Paz

In the Alkmaar stadium, under the floodlights, 20-year-old Mexx Meerdink made his debut yesterday with the Netherlands national team and scored the goal that beat Germany, becoming the nightmare of Lamine Yamal and Nico Paz.

The origins and youth of Meerdink

Mexx Meerdink was born in Alkmaar in 2003 and for years was known as “the son of Meerdink”. His father, Martijn, played more than 200 matches in the Eredivisie during the 2000s decade and debuted with the senior national team.

In the Youth League 2022‑23, Meerdink was crowned top scorer with nine goals, surpassing his teammates. He scored two goals against Lamine Yamal's Barcelona and one against Gonzalo and Nico Paz's Madrid, as well as a brace and an assist in the final.

Impact on the first team and the call-up

After a season of adaptation, the striker cemented his place in the first team of AZ Alkmaar. Two consecutive campaigns yielded 14 and 8 goals, the latter hampered by injuries, and his three goals and two assists helped the club top the Eredivisie.

His involvement in the Super Cup, won against PSV this summer, also added to the team’s trophy cabinet. These achievements caught the eye of coach Xavi, who considered him when Malen was ruled out due to injury.

“The Dutch national team is a great showcase and it is my goal to be there, but I haven’t earned it yet,” Meerdink said on Monday. The youngster emphasized that his presence in the squad was the result of a bounce, but he aims to cement his place.

After scoring the 1‑0 against Telstar, Meerdink commented: “I have scored the winning goal, yes, but football‑wise I am still not the free Mexx I was a year ago.” He acknowledged that he still has room for improvement before establishing himself as an undisputed starter.

With a powerful physique and technique superior to what his stature suggests, Meerdink appears more lethal than Brobbey in finishing. Xavi values his profile as a complement to the promising squad, and the striker assures that his potential is still yet to be unleashed.