Xavi confident: Zirkzee can help the Netherlands enormously
Why it matters
Joshua Zirkzee's call-up to the Dutch national team is significant, as it represents an opportunity for the young striker to demonstrate his worth in a Nations League football context. Despite concerns about his current form, Xavi believes Zirkzee can adapt well to the team's new playing style and contribute decisively. This could affect not only Zirkzee's individual performances, but also the entire season outlook for the Netherlands.
Key points
- Xavi confident: Zirkzee can help the Netherlands enormously.
- Xavi expresses confidence in the qualities of Joshua Zirkzee, a surprise call-up to the Dutch national team.
- Xavi confident Zirkzee can 'help Netherlands enormously'.
Xavi believes Joshua Zirkzee adapts well to Holland's new style of play after calling him up as an injured replacement. Brian Brobbey, in fact, left the national team retreat after the 1-1 draw against Germany in the opening match of the Nations League, while Zirkzee received his first call-up in almost two years. The Manchester United player, who has made six appearances for the Netherlands, has not been called up to the team since November 2021. His call-up raised some doubts, given that this season Zirkzee has only made four appearances as a substitute for the Red Devils, without scoring. The other two forwards most used so far by coach Xavi, namely Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst, are both more starters than Zirkzee, but the Netherlands coach is sure that the latter will fit well into his game. "He can be very important for us. I think he is a good player. He can help us enormously," said Xavi. "Our striker must understand our system and our ideas. At the moment, he can help us more than the others. We focus on the players we choose." The Netherlands snatched a last-minute equalizer in the match against Germany, thanks to a goal from Cody Gakpo, but according to Xavi they deserved more as they dominated the game in the second half. In fact, Xavi's team ended the match against the Germans with 22 total shots, of which 10 on target, and an expected goal (xG) of 3.2, while Germany, also thanks to a great performance from goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen, recorded only 0.5 xG. The Netherlands, however, are going through a not so positive period, given that they haven't won in the Nations League for four games. Xavi hopes to reverse this trend already in the next match, which will be against Serbia, scheduled for Sunday. "We have to win. It's an important match for the league table," said the Dutch coach. "[For Sunday] I will determine the lineup. I am happy with all the players who are available at the moment. "Serbia plays very differently. It will be a difficult match against a physical team. They make a lot of long balls. We must be prepared for this. "The objective is to win and get the three points." Serbia, who lost 2-1 to Greece in the other Nations League group match, currently occupies the last place in group A2, just behind the Netherlands.
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What happens now
With Zirkzee now part of the squad, he is expected to make an impact in the upcoming Nations League matches. The match against Serbia will be crucial to test the player's integration into Xavi's system. If Zirkzee can prove his worth, he could earn a starting spot and change the team's offensive dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the result of the Netherlands vs Germany match?
The match between Holland and Germany ended in a draw 1-1.
Who scored the goal for the Netherlands against Germany?
Cody Gakpo scored the goal for the Netherlands against Germany.
What is the impact of the draw on the Nations League standings?
The draw has an impact on the Nations League standings, but the specific context of the standings is not provided in the article.
When is Holland's next match in the Nations League?
The article does not specify the date of the Netherlands' next match in the Nations League.
Why was Joshua Zirkzee called up to the Dutch national team?
Joshua Zirkzee has been called up as a replacement for Brian Brobbey, who left retirement due to injury.
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