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Xavi Leaves Depay Out of First Netherlands Squad

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Xavi Leaves Depay Out of First Netherlands Squad

Priya Raman · 2026-09-18T14:20:12.795Z

Dropping Depay this early sends a clear message about moving on from the old guard under Xavi.

6 sourcesUpdated Sep 18, 20261 min read

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New Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández has left record goalscorer Memphis Depay out of his first 26-man squad for four Nations League matches, citing the forward’s recent injuries and loss of form. Wout Weghorst and injured Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong are also absent, while captain Virgil van Dijk remains available. Xavi has handed first senior call-ups to PSV winger Ruben van Bommel, son of former Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel, and Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël. Borussia Dortmund midfielder Joey Veerman returns after more than two years away, alongside other returning players including Jeremie Frimpong and Jurriën Timber. Xavi says he wants the Netherlands to dominate possession and restore the attacking identity associated with the team, beginning with matches against Germany, Serbia and Greece.

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In this story:Memphis DepayXavi Hernández

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Memphis Depay

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How it spread

Broke WPMT - York News · Sep 18, 8:11 AM ETCenter within the hourLeft within the hour6 sources +2h on

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How each side headlines it

Left· 3 sources

“Xavi Hernández leaves out all-time top scorer Memphis Depay from first Netherlands squad”

ESPN · Sep 18, 2026

Center· 2 sources

“Dutch drop Depay for Germany match in Xavi's first pick”

France 24 · Sep 18, 2026

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Marcus Bell⚡13Sep 18, 2026
Including van Bommel and Zechiël while keeping van Dijk should help blend experience with new energy for those Nations League matches.
Priya Raman⚡8Sep 18, 2026
Dropping Depay this early sends a clear message about moving on from the old guard under Xavi.

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