Xavi Names Van Bommel and Zechiel in First Netherlands Squad
Xavi Hernandez has named Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiel in his first Netherlands squad, selecting 26 players for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Germany, Serbia and Greece.
What we know
- The 46-year-old former Barcelona coach became Netherlands boss in August. His staff includes Oscar Hernandez, Sergio Allegre, Ruud van Nistelrooij and Adil Ramzi.
- PSV winger Van Bommel and Feyenoord midfielder Zechiel receive their first senior Oranje call-ups.
- Van Bommel, a former Netherlands Under-20 player, is the son of 2010 World Cup finalist Mark van Bommel and grandson of former Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk.
- Zechiel earned his opportunity after strong Netherlands Under-21 displays, including his goal against Slovakia in November 2024.
- Xavi said the 26-player group gives him enough depth for four games while allowing the staff to assess the players closely during his first camp.
Next step: Zeist meeting and Germany opener
The squad reports to the Netherlands training base in Zeist on Monday afternoon, September 21.
Oranje begin Nations League A Group 2 at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena against Germany on Thursday, September 24. They then face Serbia in Belgrade on September 27, travel to Thessaloniki to play Greece on October 1, and host Serbia in Eindhoven on October 4.
The complete squad is: Nathan Ake, Ruben van Bommel, Brian Brobbey, Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Mark Flekken, Jeremie Frimpong, Cody Gakpo, Lutsharel Geertruida, Ryan Gravenberch, Jorrel Hato, Jan Paul van Hecke, Justin Kluivert, Teun Koopmeiners, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Tijjani Reijnders, Robin Roefs, Crysencio Summerville, Kenneth Taylor, Jurrien Timber, Quinten Timber, Joey Veerman, Micky van de Ven, Bart Verbruggen and Gjivai Zechiel.
