Xavi Hernández refuses to replace Gakpo, Avsaroglu wants Valente

Cody Gakpo has withdrawn for the rest of the international period after suffering an injury in the match against Serbia, in which the Netherlands lost 1‑2. National team coach Xavi Hernández then decided not to call up a replacement, a decision that immediately draws comment.

Commentator Arman Avsaroglu finds it remarkable that no new talent is being invited and says that a new national team coach must seize the chance to observe unknown players. “If you are new as national team coach and you don’t know the players yet, then invite as many new players as possible. You don’t have to use them, but you can then see what you have in them, in training and during conversations. It costs you nothing and it can give you something for the future. Why wouldn’t you bring Valente in? That should be fine, right? He has been playing in that position in the recent period,” says Avsaroglu.

Boon defends Xavi's choice

Football analyst Thierry Boon understands Xavi’s decision and points to the lack of recent playing minutes of the Feyenoord player. “I heard that they had a week off at Feyenoord. He has done nothing for a week, then you bring him in now. That makes no sense. It’s nice that he can join the card game. It has to make football‑technical sense, so I fully understand that you don’t start with that now. Xavi has clearly chosen a number of players for that spot,” Boon explains.

Xavi does not see Valente as a left winger

According to the coach, Luciano Valente simply is not a suitable left winger for the Dutch national team. This assessment is shared by several insiders who emphasize that the position imposes specific tactical demands.

Avsaroglu, however, continues to advocate for a broader acquaintance with new talent. “But my thought remains: get to know as many new players as possible during this period. Klopp called up 44, who found it more important than the matches. He wanted to get to know all players better and that is why Valente is now interesting,” he concludes, keeping the discussion about future call‑ups open.