Xavi: Frenkie de Jong’s return gives the Netherlands a major boost
Xavi Hernández believes midfielder Frenkie de Jong’s return to the Netherlands squad is a major boost as they seek to top their Nations League group and qualify for the quarter-finals. The team are preparing to host Greece on Friday before travelling to face Germany.
De Jong, the Barcelona player who has struggled with injuries, missed the Netherlands’ previous four matches in the competition, during which the team collected eight points and shared top spot in Group B with Greece. His last appearance for the national team was at the World Cup this year, according to the report.
Xavi, who coached De Jong at Barcelona between 2021 and 2024, said he expects him to play a leadership role, pointing to his experience and knowledge of the team’s ideas. He added that De Jong can play in different positions and that his presence does not rule out a place for Joey Veerman, who he said has been performing well for Borussia Dortmund and the national team.
De Jong is expected to return to the playmaker role in which Veerman excelled during the Netherlands’ home and away wins over Serbia and their 2-2 draw with Greece. A win over Greece at the Johan Cruyff Arena would secure the Netherlands’ place in the quarter-finals, with the group winner and runner-up both advancing to that stage in March. Xavi said qualification is the first objective and expressed confidence that his team can achieve it.