Xavi's fresh wind changes Van de Ven's role with the Netherlands

On the cold evening in the German stadium, Micky van de Ven, normally a centre‑back for Tottenham Hotspur, positioned himself in the left defence, a subtle signal of the fresh wind that Xavi Hernández has brought to the Dutch national team since replacing Ronald Koeman.

After the 2026 World Cup, in which Ronald Koeman was still coach, the KNVB appointed Xavi Hernández. His arrival is seen as a fresh wind.

“Under this coach everyone has a different role. He is a new coach with his own ideas. For me that means that I played as a left‑back in the previous match, but a little lower on the pitch.”

Van de Ven’s club position at Tottenham Hotspur

“I play where the coach wants. I am actually a centre‑back, but if he wants I play as a left‑back.”

“The coach has his own ideas, that takes some time. I feel that it suits everyone well and a lot of things worked against Germany.”

“I was happy with the match, even though we didn’t win. The feeling is good, everyone now knows the style of play and the people now know what we can do. So I was happy with the feeling, but not with the result.”

“There was a lot of running and we showed passion, we are happy about that. I am very satisfied with my squad. They are very open to our philosophy.”

“I expect a completely different match, because they play very differently from Germany. They may not be in the best phase, but it will be a tough away game against a physical opponent. We just have to win.”