Nations League: Xavi drops Depay from first Netherlands squad
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineNew Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez has dropped Memphis Depay from his first squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League clash against Germany.
The 32-year-old Corinthians striker is the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer with 55 goals but has been left out of Xavi’s 26-man squad following a difficult spell affected by injuries and a loss of form.
Depay has not scored for the Oranje since November 2025, when he netted against Poland in a World Cup qualifier.
Veteran striker Wout Weghorst has also been omitted, while Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong misses out because of an ongoing knee injury.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, however, remains in the squad after committing his international future following private talks with Xavi.
Van Dijk had previously been uncertain about continuing with the national team after the Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup last 32 by Morocco on penalties.
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The defender will now lead the Dutch side against Jurgen Klopp’s Germany in Amsterdam on Thursday.
Xavi has also introduced new faces, handing maiden senior call-ups to Ruben van Bommel, son of Dutch legend Mark van Bommel, and Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël.
Joey Veerman, who now plays for Borussia Dortmund, returns to the national team after more than two years away.
Half of the players selected by Xavi play in the Premier League, while only three come from the Eredivisie, including two from PSV Eindhoven and one from Feyenoord.
The former Barcelona manager has promised to restore the attacking footballing philosophy traditionally associated with the Netherlands as he looks to improve the team’s results.
Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman on a four-year contract and became the first foreign manager of the Oranje in 48 years.
Full 26-man Netherlands squad
Goalkeepers
Bart Verbruggen — Brighton & Hove Albion
Mark Flekken — Bayer Leverkusen
Robin Roefs — Sunderland
Defenders
Virgil van Dijk — Liverpool
Denzel Dumfries — Real Madrid
Micky van de Ven — Tottenham Hotspur
Jan Paul van Hecke — Tottenham Hotspur
Jurriën Timber — Arsenal
Jorrel Hato — Chelsea
Nathan Aké — Fenerbahçe
Jeremie Frimpong — Bayer Leverkusen
Lutsharel Geertruida — RB Leipzig
Midfielders
Ryan Gravenberch
Teun Koopmeiners
Tijjani Reijnders
Joey Veerman
Quinten Timber
Kenneth Taylor
Justin Kluivert
Gjivai Zechiël
Forwards
Cody Gakpo
Donyell Malen
Noa Lang
Brian Brobbey
Crysencio Summerville
Ruben van Bommel
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