Frenkie De Jong’s return reshapes the Netherlands squad

Frenkie De Jong’s return to the Netherlands squad has selection consequences: Xavi has called up the midfielder for the next two Nations League matches, against Greece and Germany, meaning someone has to miss out. After several months away from competition because of injuries, De Jong has become an important player again, Xavi noted.

His performance against Atlético de Madrid made an impression. De Jong produced a strong display in an unfamiliar role at full-back. That return to form helped persuade Xavi to select him, alongside Justin Kluivert. Their inclusion necessarily means another player is left out.

Xavi acknowledged how difficult the decision was. “It was very difficult to leave him at home. Before the first international break, Memphis Depay was the hardest decision, and now it is probably Kenneth,” he said in Terrassa on Monday. He also stressed that Kenneth’s omission was not a permanent decision, but applied only to this pair of international fixtures.

In the previous meeting with Atlético at the Metropolitano, De Jong came on during the match. He started at right-back before finishing in midfield, in a 2-1 Netherlands win. Xavi, who coached him at Barça and now leads the national team, said the position had surprised him, while praising De Jong’s versatility.

“Yesterday against Atlético, De Jong played at full-back. That is not what I have in mind for him, although I also used him at centre-back at Barça. But I know Frenkie is a top player who can play in several positions, as a holding midfielder or a number eight,” Xavi said.

The next two fixtures matter in a group where the Netherlands and Greece have eight points each from a possible 12. The Dutch host Greece on Friday before travelling to Germany on Monday; Germany have five points.