Netherlands: Xavi Hernández recalls five players for Greece and Germany clashes (Official)

De Jong returns for crucial Nations League games as the Oranje cope with three key absences

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Netherlands: Xavi Hernández recalls five players for Greece and Germany clashes (Official)

Xavi Hernández has named his second Netherlands squad, welcoming back several players as the Oranje seek to secure their place in the knockout stage.

Xavi Hernández unveiled his squad on Friday, November 6, for the final two group matches of the UEFA Nations League. The Netherlands host Greece in Amsterdam on November 13 before travelling to Berlin to face Germany on November 16. The former Barcelona coach is bringing back several players after going unbeaten during his first international window.

De Jong, Maatsen and Malen return as key names miss out

Frenkie de Jong, Ian Maatsen, Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert and Brian Brobbey are among the most notable returning players. De Jong missed Xavi's first four matches due to a knee problem, but his return strengthens an already competitive midfield. Brobbey and Malen offer additional options up front. However, Nathan Aké, Jeremie Frimpong and Ryan Gravenberch are unavailable. Memphis Depay is also absent, having been left out of Xavi's first Netherlands squad in September.

The complete 25-man Netherlands squad by position

Goalkeepers : Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen.

Defenders : Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Lutsharel Geertruida, Jan Paul van Hecke, Ian Maatsen, Jurriën Timber, Micky van de Ven.

Midfielders : Frenkie de Jong, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Guus Til, Quinten Timber, Joey Veerman, Gjivai Zechiël.

Forwards : Ruben van Bommel, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo, Justin Kluivert, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Mexx Meerdink, Crysencio Summerville.

Oranje 🦁🇳🇱 - November 2026. https://t.co/FJWwKeiLUf
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 6, 2026

Xavi's record: unbeaten in his first four matches

Appointed in August 2026 to replace Ronald Koeman, Xavi has overseen four competitive matches: a 1-1 home draw against Germany on September 24, a 2-1 victory away to Serbia on September 27, a 2-2 draw in Greece on October 1 and a 2-1 home win over Serbia on October 4. That leaves him with two wins, two draws and no defeats, alongside seven goals scored and five conceded. Mexx Meerdink's brace in the first win over Serbia highlighted Xavi's willingness to give emerging players an opportunity.

Greece and Germany tests could decide the group

The Netherlands lead Group A2 with eight points from four games, level with Greece but ahead on goals scored. Germany have five points and Serbia remain without a point. The top two qualify for the quarter-finals. Oranje face their fellow leaders on Friday, November 13 at 8:45 p.m. at the Johan Cruijff ArenA before visiting Germany on Monday, November 16 at 8:45 p.m. at Berlin's Olympiastadion. The Nations League standings underline the importance of both fixtures.

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