Mexx Meerdink Makes Netherlands Debut in Nations League Draw with Germany
Mexx Meerdink has won his first Netherlands cap after stepping off the bench during Thursday’s 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
The AZ striker was called into action in the 35th minute after Brian Brobbey was forced off while limping. Meerdink had expected a more experienced replacement to be chosen, but was quickly sent to warm up and thrown into the match.
Quick facts
- Meerdink made his senior Oranje debut against Germany.
- He replaced injured forward Brian Brobbey after 35 minutes.
- The 23-year-old had a goal ruled out and missed another opening after slipping over the ball.
- His father, Martijn Meerdink, also made one Netherlands appearance, against Ecuador in 2006.
The appearance completed a long-delayed international breakthrough for Meerdink. He had originally received a Netherlands call-up a year earlier, only to miss out through injury.
“I saw Brian was limping and wondered whether it was already going to happen,” Meerdink said. “I thought the coach might pick someone else, but then they called me. Everything moved very quickly.”
Meerdink played 55 minutes and felt there were encouraging signs despite his frustration in front of goal. He was unable to explain why his first effort was disallowed, while a later chance went begging when he lost his footing at the key moment.
“That was disappointing,” he said. “But on the ball, I think it was among my best performances of the season. There were a lot of positives.”
The forward also pointed to the Netherlands’ aggressive second-half pressing as evidence of new head coach Xavi’s influence. Meerdink said the Spaniard’s energy has been immediately felt inside the squad.
“Xavi shows so much passion, and the players feel that,” he said.
Meerdink now stands level with his father on one senior international appearance, but wants to move beyond that mark quickly. The Netherlands will recover from the Germany draw before their next Nations League assignment, with the AZ attacker targeting another place in Xavi’s squad.
