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Van Dijk Stays as Depay Misses Xavi’s First Netherlands Squad
New coach Xavi Hernandez chose his first Netherlands football squad.
Memphis Depay was not selected after scoring a national-record 55 goals.
This could mean Depay’s international career is ending, but that has not been confirmed.
Virgil van Dijk decided to keep playing for the Netherlands.
The team has four Nations League matches coming up.
They will play Germany, Greece and Serbia.
Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel were called up for the first time.
Frenkie de Jong was not selected because of a knee injury.
Several players who missed the World Cup are returning to the squad.
Memphis Depay was omitted from Xavi Hernandez’s first Netherlands squad after making 112 international appearances.
Captain Virgil van Dijk will continue his international career after discussing his future with the new coach.
The Netherlands will face Germany, Greece and Serbia twice in four Nations League matches.
Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel received their first call-ups, while Joey Veerman returned.
Frenkie de Jong remains absent with a knee injury, while several other players were also left out or injured.
- Who
- New Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez selected a 26-man squad, including captain Virgil van Dijk but excluding Memphis Depay.
- What
- The Netherlands announced its squad for four upcoming Nations League matches.
- Where
- The Netherlands will play Germany, Greece and Serbia.
- When
- The squad was announced on Friday; the matches will take place during an extended three-week international window.
- Why
- Xavi Hernandez selected his first squad as coach, while Depay was omitted and Frenkie de Jong remained unavailable because of injury.
Key facts
- Coach
- Xavi Hernandez
- Squad size
- 26 players
- Major omission
- Memphis Depay
- International record
- Depay has 55 goals in 112 appearances for the Netherlands
- Captain
- Virgil van Dijk
- Upcoming opponents
- Germany, Greece and Serbia
- Injury absence
- Frenkie de Jong, who is still suffering from a knee injury
Sources
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