Xavi opens the door for Frenkie de Jong’s Netherlands return as Barcelona midfielder finally resumes training

Despite missing their midfield talisman, the Dutch national team has navigated their recent Nations League fixtures with a degree of resilience. The victory against Serbia marked a milestone evening as captain Virgil van Dijk earned his 100th cap for his country. The Liverpool defender led a backline that has faced criticism for its lack of clean sheets, though the result ensured the team remains unbeaten under their new leadership after four matches.

The recent international window saw a mix of results, including draws against Germany and Greece, which has left the Netherlands as joint leaders of their group. While the results have been satisfactory, the tactical fluidity provided by De Jong is seen as the missing piece to transform a functional side into a dominant force. The coaching staff has experimented with various personnel, including Teun Koopmeiners and Tijjani Reijnders, but the return of De Jong remains the primary objective for the next set of fixtures.