Netherlands: Xavi excludes Depay while keeping Van Dijk as captain

Xavi Hernandez has excluded Memphis Depay, the all-time leading scorer for the Netherlands, but has retained Virgil van Dijk as captain in his first squad of 26 players for the Nations League. The new head coach revealed his selection on Friday, September 18.

Depay, 32, remains at 55 goals in 112 appearances. The Corinthians forward had primarily been used as a substitute during the 2026 World Cup and is not included in the first gathering of the new Dutch cycle.

Van Dijk, on the other hand, continues his international journey. The Liverpool defender indicated last month that he would assess his future with the new coach before deciding to continue with the Oranje.

Xavi has also handed first call-ups to Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël. Midfielder Joey Veerman makes his return, while Frenkie de Jong, who suffered a knee injury during the World Cup, misses this gathering.

Jeremie Frimpong, Kenneth Taylor, and Jurrien Timber also return to the squad after missing the World Cup. Marten de Roon, Wout Weghorst, and Guus Til have not been selected, and Mats Wieffer is injured.

The Netherlands will play four Nations League matches during this international window, facing Germany, Greece, and Serbia twice.