Xavi uses Lamine‑Yamal formula with Netherlands, bets on Meerdink

In Spain the developments surrounding the Dutch national team and national team coach Xavi Hernández are being closely followed. The Spanish press is lyrical about the new the Oranje and sees Xavi applying the ‘Lamine‑Yamal‑formula’. He has recently added, among others, Ruben van Bommel, Gjivai Zechiël and Mexx Meerdink, an approach he used before.

New opportunities according to the Spanish media

The Spanish sports newspaper Sport writes that this is not the first time Xavi has given young, inexperienced players a chance. ‘During his period as manager of FC Barcelona he gave countless players from La Masia a chance,’ the medium quotes. Among those players were Lamine Yamal, Fermín López and Pau Cubarsí, who later became key players.

Sport calls Mexx Meerdink, who had no experience up to this international break, one of Xavi’s first personal bets in his new era. ‘Within a few days his situation took a dramatic turn,’ the paper reports.

Meerdink made his debut against Germany as a substitute for the injured Brian Brobbey. In the next match in Belgrade Xavi started him in the lineup, where the AZ striker scored two goals and the Oranje won 2‑1. It was the Catalan coach’s first victory as national team coach of the Netherlands.

The Spanish public continues to follow the developments around the Oranje closely, hoping that the Lamine‑formula will bring further successes.