Xavi Hernandez starts against Germany – new Dutch coach duel

At the Johan‑Cruyff‑Stadium in Amsterdam, there is a tense anticipation as the Dutch national team presents its first lineup under the new head coach Xavi Hernandez – a duel against Germany that also marks the coaching debut of Hernandez and Jürgen Klopp next Thursday, after a short break following the World Cup.

New coaching staff in the Netherlands

After the World Cup, there was a swift change on the bench of the Dutch national team. Spain's midfield legend Xavi Hernandez has replaced the rather unlucky Ronald Koeman as head coach. The decision marks the beginning of a new era for the Netherlands.

At the same time, the DFB team begins a new era with the new national team coach Jürgen Klopp. One day after Klopp's 44‑man squad for the upcoming international break was released, Hernandez announced his first selection. Both coaches will make their debut next Thursday in a direct duel.

First lineup and missing attacking options

In Xavi's first squad, the newcomers Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel appear, called up for the first time. However, in attack, long‑standing pillars Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst are missing. In central midfield, Hernandez recalled the 24‑year‑old Kenneth Taylor from Lazio.

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Taylor, who is under contract with Lazio, played his fifth and so far last international match at the end of March 2025. This expands the options in the central midfield of the national team. His return underscores Hernandez's confidence in young players.

The Borussia Dortmund newcomer Joey Veerman is also in the squad, although his last appearance for the Netherlands was already at the semi‑final of Euro 2024 in Germany. The 27‑year‑old Veerman has earned 16 caps and was substituted on after 35 minutes in the 1‑2 loss to England. His experience is intended to stabilise the attack.

The squad also includes several players who currently play in the Bundesliga or have already played there. In addition to the former Wolfsburg and former Hoffenheim player Weghorst, the injured former Leipzig player Xavi Simons is also missing, as he is in hospital with a torn cruciate ligament. The selection highlights the close link between the two leagues.