Xavi Hernandez debuts in the Netherlands against Germany, Taylor out

Tonight the Johan Cruijff Arena hosts the first Nations League test for Xavi Hernandez, the new head coach of the Netherlands, against Germany of Jürgen Klopp; the 46‑year‑old Catalan announces his lineup, but Lazio midfielder Kenneth Taylor remains off the list.

Having taken the bench after Ronald Koeman's post‑World Cup departure, Xavi Hernandez opens a new era in Dutch football, promising a project based on young talent and tactical discipline.

Squad selections for the debut

The coach selected 26 players for his first four matches, but the matchday squad can contain a maximum of 23 men; therefore three players, including Taylor, Arsenal defender and the 22‑year‑old from Feyenoord, will have to settle on the bench.

Kenneth Taylor, who joined Lazio in January, has accumulated 421 minutes in Serie A and recorded an assist; he was not part of the World Cup squad and made his debut for the Netherlands in September 2022 under Louis van Gaal.

In addition to Taylor, Gjivai Zechiël and Jurriën Timber were also left out of tonight's call‑up, confirming Xavi Hernandez's restrictive selection.

Xavi Hernandez's debut marks the start of a renewal process for the Netherlands, where the player selection highlights competitiveness and the desire to build a solid team for upcoming international challenges.