RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has omitted record goalscorer Memphis Depay from his first squad ahead of the Oranje’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Germany.
However, captain Virgil van Dijk has been included in the 26-man squad for the encounter scheduled to take place in Amsterdam on Thursday.
Depay, 32, has scored 55 goals for the Netherlands but has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form in recent months. The Corinthians forward has not scored for the national team since November 2025, when he netted against Poland in a World Cup qualifier.
The former Barcelona and Manchester United striker was also only a peripheral figure during the Netherlands’ disappointing World Cup campaign.
Veteran forward Wout Weghorst was also left out of the squad, while Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong misses the match because of injury.
Van Dijk’s inclusion comes after the Liverpool defender had previously been uncertain about continuing his international career following the Netherlands’ elimination from the World Cup by Morocco on penalties.
Xavi, who replaced Ronald Koeman on a four-year contract, has handed a first senior call-up to Ruben van Bommel, the son of former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Joey Veerman has also returned to the national team after more than two years away.
The squad is dominated by players based in the English Premier League, with 13 of the 26 selected players currently playing in England. Only three players represent clubs in the Dutch Eredivisie, including two from PSV Eindhoven and one from Feyenoord.
Xavi, who became the Netherlands’ first foreign head coach in 48 years, has pledged to restore the attacking style traditionally associated with Dutch football as he begins his tenure.
His first major test will come against Germany, now coached by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, in the Nations League clash in Amsterdam.
