Driessen urges Xavi to consider dropping Van Dijk or Dumfries
The Dutch columnist believes Oranje’s defensive record demands a major selection decision after another unconvincing display against Serbia.
Valentijn Driessen has called on Netherlands coach Xavi to consider dropping Virgil van Dijk or Denzel Dumfries if he cannot resolve Oranje’s defensive problems. The columnist argued that past status should not protect either player from a major selection decision.
The criticism follows the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Serbia in Eindhoven. Although Oranje collected the win, they again failed to keep a clean sheet and have now conceded in all 12 of their internationals during 2026. According to the figures cited by Driessen, Morocco were the only one of those opponents ranked above the Dutch side.
Writing in De Telegraaf, as relayed by FCUpdate, Driessen described the defence as especially vulnerable. He said Serbia could have scored three times in the first half rather than once, while identifying the space behind Van Dijk and Dumfries as a recurring weakness. He also questioned whether the pair and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen have been able to organise the team effectively enough.
Driessen warned that Xavi risks encountering the same difficulties as predecessor Ronald Koeman unless he finds a solution, particularly against stronger opposition. In his view, that may eventually require the coach to leave out captain Van Dijk or Dumfries, despite their established roles within the national team.
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