Xavi Hernandez backs Saudi-based players in Netherlands squad

Xavi Hernandez has defended his decision to select players from the Saudi league after naming Al Hilal winger Crysencio Summerville and Al Qadsiah midfielder Tijjani Reijnders in his first Netherlands squad.

The Spanish coach’s approach contrasts with that of former Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman, who criticised players for moving to Saudi Arabia and refused to select them for the national team.

Xavi believes the Saudi league provides a sufficiently competitive environment for players to remain in contention for international football.

“If any of you follow the Saudi league, you will know that it has a high level of competition,” Xavi told reporters, in comments carried by Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiyah.

“If the players are performing well there, they will undoubtedly be selected.”

The former Al Sadd player said his experience of football in the region had also influenced his view. Xavi spent several years in Qatar as both a player and a coach.

“I know football in that region well, as I was in Qatar as a player and a coach for a number of years,” he said.

He added that his selection policy was centred on individual performance rather than the reputation of a player’s club or competition.

“We look at the quality of the player, not the quality of the team or the competition,” Xavi said.

The Netherlands are scheduled to face Germany and Greece during the international break. They will also play Serbia twice across four UEFA Nations League matches during the three-week international window.

Summerville has made six appearances for the Netherlands and has scored two goals.

Reijnders has greater international experience, having played 35 times for his country and scored seven goals.

Both players moved to Saudi football this summer. Summerville joined Al Hilal from West Ham, while Reijnders transferred to Al Qadsiah from Manchester City.

Their selection represents a clear change from Koeman’s previous stance on players moving to the Saudi league, with Xavi instead focusing on whether they are producing performances strong enough to merit international recognition.