Xavi backs Saudi Pro League selections as Summerville and Reijnders earn Netherlands call-ups

Xavi Hernandez has defended his decision to select Crysencio Summerville and Tijjani Reijnders for the Netherlands after both players moved from the Premier League to the Roshn Saudi League.

Summerville joined Al Hilal from West Ham, while Reijnders left Manchester City for Al Qadsiah. Their transfers have made them two of the most prominent Netherlands players to continue their careers outside Europe, and raised questions over whether their move to Saudi Arabia should affect their international prospects.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Xavi said his selection policy was based on a player’s performances rather than the reputation of the competition in which he played.

Asked whether moving from the Premier League to the Saudi league represented a significant change in the level of competition, the Netherlands manager said: “But it is not a big move. I think if you follow the Saudi league, you will find that it is not bad.”

The response indicated that Xavi does not regard playing in the Roshn Saudi League as sufficient reason to exclude a footballer from consideration for the national team.

When a journalist pressed him on the difference between the Premier League and the Saudi league, Xavi replied: “It is professional football. If he performs well and is suitable for the team, what is the problem?”

He made clear that the player’s form and technical condition were the factors that would determine whether he could contribute to the Netherlands.

Xavi also said his previous experience of football in the region gave him a particular understanding of the Gulf game. “I played in a league that I know; I was in Qatar for six years, so there is no problem for me,” he said.

The former Qatar-based coach added that his assessment was not determined by the name of a player’s league or club.

Asked again about the difference in match standards between England and Saudi Arabia, Xavi said: “But the Saudi league plays in the AFC Champions League, and that is difficult as well. You have to follow the league.”

His comments mark a clear contrast with the approach associated with his predecessor, Ronald Koeman. Xavi has chosen to trust Reijnders and Summerville by including both in the Netherlands squad despite their departures from the Premier League.

The selections underline his preference for judging players on their performances and their ability to strengthen the national team, rather than treating the competition in which they play as the decisive factor.