Xavi names Real Madrid’s Denzel Dumfries among Netherlands’ reserve captains

Virgil van Dijk will remain captain of the Netherlands under Spanish coach Xavi Hernandez, who has selected three deputies for the national team.

Denzel Dumfries, Nathan Ake and Cody Gakpo have been appointed as the current reserve captains and could wear the armband if Van Dijk is unavailable.

The choice is not yet final, however. The coaching staff plan to review the leadership group during the next international break in November before deciding which players should be included permanently.

Xavi explained that the responsibility should be shared among the squad’s senior figures.

“Virgil is not the only one who matters. Denzel, Cody and Nathan – the more experienced players – must help the younger players and the new generation,” he said with a smile in front of the cameras.

He added: “Naturally, they must be important within the team. Since Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) is not available, Denzel (Real Madrid), Cody (Liverpool) and Nathan (Fenerbahce) will be the reserve captains.”

Van Dijk, the Liverpool defender, was the Netherlands’ regular captain during the 2026 World Cup. He has held the armband since 2018, when he first led his country in a friendly against England.

The three deputies will be expected to support the captain and help guide the younger members of the squad while the coaching staff assess the most suitable options for the leadership group.

Dumfries, Ake and Gakpo are currently the players chosen to step in for Van Dijk, although their positions could be reconsidered when the Netherlands regroup in November.

The Netherlands will host neighbours Germany on Thursday at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. The match is the opening fixture in Group B in League A of the Nations League.

Xavi’s decision means Dumfries, described by the coach as one of the experienced players who should help the next generation, will take on a leading role in the absence of De Jong. Gakpo and Ake complete the temporary group of deputies alongside the long-serving Van Dijk.