Overview
- The Netherlands recalled Frenkie de Jong to their Nations League squad, with coach Xavi announcing the selection on Monday and calling it a major boost to the team’s chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.
- Xavi expects De Jong to resume a central playmaking and leadership role that will anchor the midfield and complement in-form players like Joey Veerman.
- De Jong returned to full fitness at Barcelona and featured briefly as a full-back on November 8, evidence Xavi used to underline the player’s match readiness and positional versatility.
- A win over Greece at the Johan Cruyff Arena would mathematically secure the Netherlands a place in the March quarter-finals, making Friday’s match the immediate objective for Xavi’s side.
- Xavi noted Memphis Depay is currently out of the squad because he needs regular club minutes to regain sharpness and said the staff remain open to recalling him in the future; the coach also stressed that de Jong is often undervalued by the public but highly rated by coaches who see him daily.