Memphis Depay Omitted from Xavi Squad for Nations League Matches

Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández left all-time leading scorer Memphis Depay out of his 26-man squad for upcoming Nations League matches, while calling up debutants Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël as the Oranje begin a new era ahead of their September 24 fixture against Germany.

Memphis Depay Omitted as Xavi Shapes a New Oranje Squad

The most striking decision of Xavi’s initial squad announcement involves the national team’s historical attacking pillar. Memphis Depay, who has scored 55 goals in 112 international appearances, was left off the country’s 26-man roster for the upcoming Nations League matches. The 32-year-old forward currently plays for Brazilian club Corinthians where recent pressure from supporters groups follows a missed penalty in Copa Libertadores competition. Memorable backlash arrived when the organized supporters group Gaviões da Fiel released a statement making a series of demands, including one directed at Memphis:”Memphis, your penalty kick was irresponsible and careless, and you were chiefly responsible for the elimination from the Conmebol Libertadores. The time has come to justify the investment Corinthians made in your contract renewal. Otherwise, ask to leave,” Gaviões wrote.

Beyond Depay, the former Barcelona manager also omitted veteran players Marten de Roon, Wout Weghorst, and Guus Til from his selection while Frenkie de Jong remains unavailable due to an ongoing knee recovery. With the omission of Depay, it may be clear that Xavi wants to move in a different direction upfront, choosing instead to likely look to Brian Brobbey or the in-form Donyell Malen to score the goals for his Dutch side. PSV coach Peter Bosz noted that Til received no personal communication regarding his absence despite featuring at the World Cup under Ronald Koeman, whose departure followed a disappointing campaign where the Netherlands lost in a penalty shootout to Morocco in the round of 32 and faced criticism for a lack of attacking ambition.

Fresh Faces and Notable Returns in Zeist

In place of established veterans, the 26-man selection introduces two senior debutants alongside several returning names. Winger Ruben van Bommel earns his first call-up after a strong start at PSV Eindhoven, recovering from a long-term knee injury to record two goals and two assists. The 22-year-old is the son of former Netherlands midfielder and current Belgium national team head coach Mark van Bommel, and was called up on the same day that his father announced his squad for Belgium. Gjivai Zechiël joins him as a newcomer after scoring five goals in six Eredivisie matches for Feyenoord to start the season, having impressed at the club. The squad also welcomes back players who missed previous fixtures. Joey Veerman returns to the midfield following his transfer from PSV to Borussia Dortmund, alongside Lazio midfielder Kenneth Taylor. Defenders Jeremie Frimpong, who missed the World Cup due to injury, and Jurriën Timber both rejoin the setup, alongside Liverpool teammate Virgil van Dijk, who made the squad for now despite talk of missing out. Other members of the 26-man selection include goalkeepers Mark Flekken of Bayer Leverkusen, Robin Roefs of Sunderland, and likely starter Bart Verbruggen of Brighton & Hove Albion. Defensive options feature Nathan Ake of Fenerbahçe, Denzel Dumfries of Real Madrid, Lutsharel Geertruida of PSV Eindhoven, Jorrel Hato of Chelsea, Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur, and Jan Paul van Hecke of Tottenham Hotspur.

Justin Kluivert Withdraws Due to European Injury

Squad preparations took an immediate hit when attacking midfielder Justin Kluivert sustained an injury during Bournemouth’s Europa League match against Real Sociedad in San Sebastián. Bournemouth won 1-2 on their European debut, with Kluivert playing a leading role by scoring the opening goal in the 11th minute before eventually departing in the 84th minute for David Brooks. Even with the injury, the Dutchman stayed on for a long spell.

Justin suffered an injury in San Sebastián. We will have to do without him for a few weeks. It is nothing very serious, but it needs time.

Marco Rose, Bournemouth manager

The timeline rules Kluivert out for Bournemouth’s match against Liverpool on Sunday and prevents him from reporting for duty in Zeist on Monday afternoon, September 21, for Xavi’s first international gathering. Logic suggests Xavi will call up a replacement after Kluivert’s withdrawal, with Feyenoord captain Luciano Valente and PSV midfielder Guus Til looking like the two most obvious candidates, although it is not yet clear whether the head coach will add another player to his squad.

Evaluating the Squad Across Four Autumn Fixtures

The upcoming four-match window gives the new coaching staff an extended evaluation period within a competitive environment as Xavi takes over the Netherlands team following Ronald Koeman’s departure. Newly appointed head coach Xavi Hernández was presented at the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) headquarters in Zeist, Netherlands, on August 25, 2026. The 46-year-old had been out of work since leaving his job as Barcelona coach in May 2024. The 26-man selection marks the beginning of Xavi’s reign and immediately provides a glimpse of how differently the former Barcelona manager intends to approach the Oranje, aiming to build a team able to dominate the game and take the initiative with the ball.

New coach Xavi Hernandez leaves Memphis Depay out of the Netherlands squad for Nations League — Photo: foxsports.com

Memphis Depay Omitted from Xavi Squad for Nations League Matches — Photo: heavy.com

For me as head coach, it is also valuable to observe them closely and get to know them better over the coming weeks, as we will be working together intensively for the first time.

Xavi Hernández, Netherlands head coach

The Oranje begin their demanding schedule at the Johan Cruijff ArenA before traveling for subsequent fixtures. Over the coming weeks, the Netherlands play four Nations League matches starting with Germany at home, before visiting Serbia and Greece, after which Serbia will return to the Netherlands to round out the international window.