Xavi under fire after Nations: right-back praises, left-back doubts

The extra long international break for the Oranje is over and analysts look back on the first weeks under Xavi in the Nations League. While the right‑back is praised, the left‑back position – with Micky van de Ven as the only option – remains a point of dissatisfaction, even though it is already three games in a row.

Right‑back receives praise

In ‑program, Kenneth Perez gives his assessment of the Oranje’s back positions. Regarding the right‑back he says: “Dumfries is not a polished beautiful footballer, yet he scores many goals, shows up, he does what he has to do. He is not a rock‑solid defender, but he can do it. He adds so many other things.”

Perez appears satisfied with the right side and emphasizes that Dumfries, despite his imperfections, makes an important contribution to the team.

Left‑back remains a subject of discussion

The same analyst criticises the left‑back, mentioning Micky van de Ven: “Micky van de Ven has his speed and otherwise I don’t find it very special. That is a position that I think could be better. Speed makes a lot of things work.”

Perez sees few alternatives and notes that “For the winger it is less, because you have a weaker player behind you. There isn’t that much choice either. It’s also not that you think: oh, I’ll just pick another left‑back. Dumfries is vital for this team, also in terms of leadership role.”

Valentijn Driessen, after the match against Greece in the Kick‑off podcast, shares the same dissatisfaction: “You see Van de Ven almost looking around: what should I do? He just needs clear instructions before a match and not a lot of tactical tricks for the rest.”

Driessen argues for a substitution, but it didn’t happen: “It’s already three games in a row! I hope Xavi will finally put a normal left‑back there. Like Hato, whom I consider better centrally than as a left‑back. But he also plays left‑back regularly.”

He then suggests involving Ian Maatsen: “Koeman didn’t see it in him. And Xavi probably didn’t either. But every time he does it very well, like against Spain last year in the Nations League quarter‑final.”

“An excellent player. But somehow he doesn’t fit into the group of those national team coaches. But I would rather have that kind of player than Van de Ven. He is fast, fine. But if he is only there to fix mistakes, then you miss your goal. It’s also about someone being comfortable on the ball.”

The contrast between the praise for the right‑back and the ongoing doubt around the left‑back shows that Xavi is under pressure to find a solution, while the discussion about the ideal filling of the position is far from settled.