Netherlands national team manager Xavi Hernández has admitted he made a tactical mistake by initially leaving PSV Eindhoven midfielder Guus Til out of his squad for the ongoing UEFA Nations League fixtures. Til joined the Oranje setup as a late replacement alongside AZ Alkmaar forward Mexx Meerdink following injuries to Justin Kluivert and Donyell Malen, subsequently making impactful substitute appearances against Germany and Serbia.
Managerial Admission Follows Late Call-Up and Decisive Assist
Xavi acknowledged his oversight during media availability ahead of the team’s fixture against Greece, stating plainly that Til deserved his place in the squad from the outset. The manager revealed he addressed the player directly to confess the misjudgment after watching him excel in training and during matches.
“Guus does great. He deserved to play,” Xavi told the NOS. “I also told him: ‘I was wrong, you belong in the squad.’ You have to be honest.”
Til initially missed selection for the 26-man group named to report to Zeist, learning of his omission via media reports rather than a direct call from the KNVB, a detail highlighted by Voetbalzone and Ditjes en Datjes. PSV head coach Peter Bosz publicly criticized the communication lapse at the time, pointing to Til’s recent experience representing the Netherlands at the World Cup.
When injuries to Justin Kluivert and Donyell Malen forced changes, Xavi brought in both Til and Mexx Meerdink. Til made his presence felt immediately during the group matches. He entered as a late substitute in a 1-1 draw against Germany before playing nearly 25 minutes in a 1-2 victory over Serbia. In Belgrade, just two minutes after coming onto the pitch, Til provided the assist for Meerdink’s winning goal.
“He trains wonderfully, he is a top professional,” Xavi said of Til, praising his work ethic and versatility. “I am very happy with him.”
Meerdink Makes Immediate Impact After Surprise Selection
Mexx Meerdink experienced a similarly rapid ascent into the squad after being called up in place of AS Roma forward Donyell Malen. The young striker seized his opportunity by scoring twice to lift the Oranje past Serbia.
“He works hard for the team and he is happy,” Xavi noted regarding Meerdink’s performances. “It must be a rollercoaster of emotions for him, but it is going well. He is very humble, works hard, and it is no coincidence that he scores goals.”
While Xavi declined to confirm whether Til would feature in the starting lineup for the upcoming away match against Greece in Thessaloniki, both players have strengthened their claims for sustained international involvement.
Oranje currently sits second in their Nations League group, balancing the hard-fought draw against Germany with the crucial away win in Serbia. Greece enters the fixture following a 1-0 victory in Augsburg and a dramatic late win against Serbia secured by former FC Utrecht striker Tasos Douvikas.
Oranje Focus on Early Match Intensity in Thessaloniki
The team continues its preparations in Thessaloniki ahead of the upcoming kickoff, with tactical adjustments focused on maintaining early-match intensity after a series of fixtures where the Oranje found their rhythm primarily in the second half.
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