Reijnders learns fine Xavi tricks with the Netherlands and eyes League

On the cold evening in Belgrade, Tijjani Reijnders stares at the empty pitch and feels the impact of the collaboration with Xavi Hernández. The Netherlands international enjoys the fine nuances that the Spanish coach imparts to him in midfield, while he prepares for the upcoming Nations League phase.

Debut and first impressions

Reijnders started in the lineup in the 1‑2 loss match of the Netherlands against Serbia, a team that played with only five defenders. He described the match as “always difficult” and admitted that he also saw a conceding goal. Today he felt Inside the team, a moment he will not soon forget.

Work with Xavi and technical insights

“We all looked at Barcelona with him in midfield. It’s the fine nuances that he can truly pass on,” says Reijnders, who emphasizes positional play. He recalls a first meeting during a pre‑season tour with AC Milan, but now he gets the chance to learn up close from Xavi Hernández.

La Naranja MeXavicánica triumphs under Xavi against Serbia

“If I keep the ball low, it goes in nine out of ten times,” laughs the midfielder while explaining a technical nuance. He admitted that a shot was taken “with a bit too much power,” that Denzel “lays it back brilliantly,” and that he sometimes shoots “a little too hastily.”

Reijnders made the move last summer from Manchester City to Al‑Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia. About the new environment he said: “People should not underestimate what it’s like to play there. The conditions are tough, physically I am not used to the guys in Europe.”

Netherlands hands Serbia a historic defeat under Xavi Hernandez

After a disappointing World Cup, the Dutch national team now focuses on the Nations League 2026/27. In the group stage the Netherlands will face Germany, Serbia and Greece, a challenge that Reijnders wants to tackle with his newly acquired knowledge.