Ruben van Bommel makes a glittering debut as Xavi Hernández faces his first test
In Thursday evening's Nations League match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the Dutch national team secured a 1‑1 draw against Germany, partly thanks to a superb assist from debutant Ruben van Bommel in injury time.
Debutants on the bench
Xavi Hernández was on the bench for the first time as head coach of the Netherlands, while Jürgen Klopp led his first match as head coach of Germany. Both replaced Ronald Koeman and Julian Nagelsmann, who had left after a disappointing second round at the World Cup.
Player ratings and individual performances
SoccerNews compiled an overview of the player ratings. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen (Brighton) received a 6.5, while Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid) was also rated 6.5. Jan Paul van Hecke (Tottenham Hotspur) scored 5.0, and Virgil van Dijk, the captain, got 5.5.
Micky van de Ven, who was deployed by Xavi as a left‑back, finished with 5.0. Ryan Gravenberch earned 6.0, Quinten Timber 5.5, and Tijjani Reijnders 5.5. Crysencio Summerville, who can play both as a right‑ and left‑winger, received the highest score of 7.0.
Combined XI revealed: Xavi and Jürgen Klopp start Nations League duel
Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo were both rated 6.5. Xavi Hernández himself received 6.0 for his first coaching appearance. Mexx Meerdink, who debuted in the second half, also got 6.0, as did Joey Veerman, Guus Til and Ruben van Bommel, who achieved the highest score of 8.0.
Match timeline and crucial moments
Felix Nmecha opened the scoring for Germany in the 32nd minute, after Brian Brobbey’s goal was disallowed by the VAR. In the second half the Netherlands came under pressure, including a chance from Summerville who missed the header.
In injury time, the 92nd minute, Ruben van Bommel earned his first cap and delivered a right‑footed cross that Cody Gakpo headed in the air for the equaliser.
Guus Til had a big heading chance shortly afterwards, but missed. The match ended without further goals, allowing the Netherlands to narrowly avoid defeat.