Netherlands drop Depay from Xavi’s first squad, while Virgil van Dijk returns for the Nations League clash against Germany

New Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández has left record goalscorer Memphis Depay out of his first squad, while captain Virgil van Dijk has been included for the UEFA Nations League meeting with Germany in Amsterdam.

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The 32-year-old Depay, who now plays for Brazilian club Corinthians, has scored 55 goals for the Netherlands but has not scored for the national team since November 2025.

His omission marks one of the first major decisions of Xavi’s tenure as the former Barcelona midfielder begins his four-year spell in charge of the Oranje.

Depay had already faced questions over his international future after playing only a limited role during the Netherlands’ disappointing World Cup campaign.

The forward has also dealt with injuries and inconsistent form in recent months. He recently accepted a pay cut to extend his contract with Corinthians.

Veteran striker Wout Weghorst has also been left out of the squad, while Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong misses the selection because of injury.

Van Dijk, meanwhile, has been included despite previously refusing to commit to continuing his international career after the Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup last 32 by Morocco on penalties.

The Liverpool defender is now set to lead the Netherlands against a Germany side coached by former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in Amsterdam on Thursday.

Xavi has also handed a first international call-up to Ruben van Bommel, the son of former Netherlands midfielder and captain Mark van Bommel.

The 26-man squad features a strong Premier League presence, with 13 players currently playing in England’s top flight.

Only three players in the selection come from the Dutch Eredivisie, with two representing PSV Eindhoven and one playing for Feyenoord.

Joey Veerman, who now plays for Borussia Dortmund, returns to the Netherlands squad after an absence of more than two years.

Xavi replaced Depay, the omission leaves his immediate international future uncertain, although his record of 55 goals remains the highest Ronald Koeman as Netherlands manager on a four-year contract, becoming the first foreign coach to take charge of the Oranje in 48 years.

The Spaniard has indicated that he wants to restore the attacking football traditionally associated with Dutch football as he seeks to improve the team’s results.

His first major test will come against Germany, with the Nations League encounter providing an early indication of how Xavi intends to shape the Netherlands under his leadership.

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For Depay, the omission leaves his immediate international future uncertain, although his record of 55 goals remains the highest in Netherlands history.