Xavi’s Oranje rebuild raises questions over Weghorst and De Jong

The Netherlands ended their latest Nations League sequence top of Group B with eight points from four matches after beating Serbia 2-1, but the composition of Xavi’s squad remains under scrutiny. Joshua Zirkzee scored the winner from the bench, following Teun Koopmeiners’ opening goal.

One concern is the absence of Wout Weghorst, who remains available for international selection after moving from Ajax to FC Twente in the summer. FCUpdate, citing analysis in De Telegraaf, reports that Oranje lack a forceful penalty-box option when opponents defend compactly. Zirkzee offers height but is viewed as a different type of striker, while using Virgil van Dijk in attack would only be a short-term emergency measure.

The move towards a younger side has nevertheless produced encouraging moments. Mexx Meerdink started against Serbia, while Gjivai Zechiël, Jorrel Hato and Ruben van Bommel helped provide renewed energy after substitutions. The overall assessment is that Xavi is still searching for his best combination while using the Nations League to integrate emerging players.

Xavi is also awaiting Frenkie de Jong’s recovery from the knee injury sustained at the World Cup. The Barcelona midfielder has not played for his club this season, although he has recently returned to training. Speaking after the Serbia victory, Xavi highlighted their previous work together at Barcelona and told reporters, as quoted by Voetbalzone: “He is someone I need.” De Jong has made 70 appearances for the Netherlands, but his return remains dependent on his rehabilitation.