Xavi names first Netherlands squad with Memphis Depay left out

Xavi Hernandez has made a bold start to his Netherlands tenure by omitting Memphis Depay, Wout Weghorst, Marten de Roon and Stefan de Vrij from his first squad.

The former Barcelona manager has selected his initial 26-man group for the Netherlands’ upcoming Nations League fixtures, which begin with a home match against Germany before away games against Serbia and Greece.

The appointment is Xavi’s first role in international football following his spell in charge of Barcelona. The Spanish coach is being backed by the Royal Dutch Football Association as he begins a rebuilding project aimed at improving the team ahead of future competitions.

His first selection indicates a willingness to combine emerging talent with established players. Alongside the absences of several experienced internationals, Xavi has included a number of younger players he believes can form the basis of the Netherlands side in the years ahead.

Memphis Depay’s omission is among the most notable decisions. Kees Smit has also been left out, despite being regarded as a player who could have an important role in the national team’s future.

The squad does, however, include Ruben van Bommel, son of current Belgium manager Mark van Bommel. Ruben van Bommel is one of the most prominent new faces in Xavi’s selection.

The official Netherlands account, OnsOranje, announced the squad on 18 September 2026 with the message: “Xavi’s first squad! First call-up for Ruben & Gjivai!”

Netherlands squad

Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen (Brighton & Hove Albion), Robin Roefs (Sunderland), Mark Flekken (Bayer Leverkusen).

Defenders: Lutsharel Geertruida (PSV), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), Nathan Ake (Fenerbahce), Jan Paul van Hecke (Tottenham Hotspur), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur), Denzel Dumfries (Real Madrid), Jorrel Hato (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Tijjani Reijnders (Al-Qadsiah), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus), Quinten Timber (Crystal Palace), Joey Veerman (Borussia Dortmund), Kenneth Taylor (Lazio), Gjivai Zechiel (Feyenoord).

Forwards: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Noa Lang (Napoli), Donyell Malen (Roma), Brian Brobbey (Sunderland), Crysencio Summerville (Al Hilal), Ruben van Bommel (PSV).

Xavi’s first competitive test will come against Germany on home soil, followed by two matches away from home against Serbia and Greece. The three fixtures will give him an early opportunity to implement his ideas, assess his selections and establish how the Netherlands will play under his leadership.

With experienced names absent and new players brought into the group, the squad provides an early indication of the direction Xavi wants to take. The official matches will now show whether his choices can deliver the progress expected during the next stage of the Netherlands’ development.