Xavi backs Frenkie de Jong to become a key figure for the Netherlands
Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has offered a strong public endorsement of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, describing him as one of the most complete footballers in the international game and arguing that his contribution is not always fully appreciated by the wider public.
Speaking to reporters, Xavi suggested that the people best placed to judge De Jong—his coaches and teammates—understand his value particularly well. As reported by Sport, he said: “De Jong does not get enough recognition, but not from the coaches. If you ask them, they will say he is the best. They watch Frenkie every day.”
The distinction is an important one. De Jong’s influence is not always measured through goals or assists, the statistics that often dominate football discussion. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, carry it through midfield and help his team control possession can be harder to capture in a headline figure. Xavi’s comments suggest that those qualities are especially clear to coaches who see the midfielder work closely and understand the demands of their tactical systems.
A central role in Xavi’s Netherlands plans
Xavi indicated that De Jong will be an important part of the Dutch setup, pointing to both his technical ability and his leadership. The two already share an understanding of one another’s football ideas, while De Jong’s familiarity with the coaching staff’s approach could help him take on a prominent role as the Netherlands build their identity under their new head coach.
“De Jong knows me and knows the members of the national team’s technical staff. He knows our philosophy, and he will be an important player,” Xavi said. “He has everything required to deliver a good performance, and he is also a leader.”
That backing could matter as the Netherlands prepare for their upcoming fixtures, including a UEFA Nations League meeting with Greece on November 14, 2026. De Jong’s experience at Barcelona and with the national team gives Xavi a player capable of setting the tempo, linking defence with attack and helping less experienced teammates settle into the coach’s system.
For the Dutch side, his role may extend beyond simply keeping possession. A midfielder who can evade pressure and move the ball forward quickly can give the team more options when opponents press high or defend compactly. De Jong’s positioning and decision-making could therefore be central to how the Netherlands progress the ball and create space for their forwards.
Xavi rejects doubts about midfield partnerships
The coach also addressed whether De Jong can play alongside other technically gifted midfielders, including Joey Veerman. Xavi was clear that he sees no reason for the pair to be considered incompatible, rejecting the idea that a team must choose between players with similar strengths.
To make his point, he recalled the doubts that once surrounded his own partnership with Andres Iniesta at Barcelona. “Many used to say that Iniesta and I could not play together,” Xavi said. “Can you believe that? But look at what happened afterwards. I have experience in this matter.”
He added that Veerman and De Jong could also form an effective partnership, noting that both are capable of contributing to the team. Rather than treating the selection question as a simple choice between two players, Xavi appears intent on finding a structure that allows multiple creative midfielders to operate together.
That approach reflects a broader coaching challenge in international football: fitting a team’s best players into a balanced system. A successful partnership depends not only on individual quality, but also on positioning, pressing responsibilities and the way players respond when possession changes hands. Xavi’s confidence suggests he believes those details can be managed without limiting either midfielder’s influence.
Forward options and the door left open for Memphis Depay
De Jong was not the only Netherlands player discussed during Xavi’s media appearance. The coach also spoke about Donyell Malen, indicating that he views the forward as most naturally suited to a central role, even though Malen can also operate on the right. His flexibility gives the Netherlands another attacking option, particularly when the team needs to adjust its shape during a match.
Xavi also addressed Memphis Depay’s absence. Rather than closing the door on the experienced forward, he linked the issue to the need for regular playing time and improved match fitness. For a player whose game depends on sharp movement and confidence in the final third, consistent minutes can be important in restoring rhythm.
“We are open to calling upon a player of this kind, as he has the quality and the ability to make the difference,” Xavi said. The comment leaves room for Depay to return if his club form and physical condition improve, while also making clear that selection will depend on readiness as well as reputation.
What Xavi’s comments could mean for the Netherlands
Xavi’s remarks point to a Netherlands side built around trust, technical quality and tactical flexibility. De Jong appears likely to be one of its defining players, but the coach’s comments also suggest he is willing to find room for complementary talents rather than narrowing his choices too early.
Any football prediction about the Netherlands’ prospects will depend on how quickly the team turns that potential into consistent performances. De Jong’s availability, the balance of the midfield and the fitness of attacking options such as Depay will all be factors to watch. Still, Xavi’s public confidence provides a clear indication of the role he expects De Jong to play: not merely as a gifted Barcelona midfielder, but as a leader capable of shaping the Dutch team’s style and direction.
