Xavi remains unbeaten as Oranje coach following victory over Serbia

Netherlands national football team head coach Xavi Hernández secured an unbeaten start in the UEFA Nations League following a 2–1 victory over Serbia in Eindhoven, maintaining top spot in the group with eight points. NOS reported that while results kept the team on course, the performances revealed both distinctive tactical shifts and persistent defensive vulnerabilities across the opening four fixtures.

Xavi Reshapes Squad with Tactical Adjustments

Xavi immediately moved to reshape the squad upon taking charge, introducing high-profile adjustments that departed from previous setups under Ronald Koeman. During captain Virgil van Dijk's 100th international appearance against Serbia, the defender played on the right side of central defense rather than his customary left-sided role, a change Xavi dismissed as unproblematic given the player's adaptability, according to NOS.

Further structural changes saw midfielder Teun Koopmeiners deployed as a central defender against Serbia to improve buildup play from the back. Joey Veerman was recalled after a two-year absence from the national team setup, utilizing the midfielder higher up the pitch to increase ball retention and passing incision. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee stepped in as a replacement for the injured Brian Brobbey.

Xavi remains unbeaten as Oranje coach following victory over Serbia — Photo: Hart van Nederland

Pressing Intensity Versus Defensive Fragility

The tactical identity Xavi installed relies heavily on aggressive high-pressing and direct transitions. Oranje averaged 10.5 high turnovers per match under the new coach, compared to 9.7 in Ronald Koeman’s first tenure and 8.8 in his second.

Hart van Nederland reported that a heavy toll of injuries accompanied the fixture block, with Bryan Brobbey, Lutsharel Geertruida, Cody Gakpo, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Micky van de Ven all sidelined. Xavi acknowledged the physical strain afterward, stating that fatigue played a major role and signaling an intention to expand the squad size for upcoming fixtures.

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Mixed Player Ratings Follow Defensive Struggles

Individual player ratings from VoetbalPrimeur highlighted a mixed reception for the squad’s execution of the new tactical framework. Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen earned a 7 for his displays, though the team conceded in every match of 2026—a defensive trend stretching across twelve consecutive internationals. Crysencio Summerville established himself as a primary attacking threat on the wing, while debutants such as Ruben van Bommel, Mexx Meerdink, and Gjivai Zechiël received meaningful minutes during the window.

Despite dropping points in a 1–1 draw with Germany and a 2–2 stalemate in Greece alongside victories over Serbia, Oranje shares the group lead with Greece on eight points. The team faces the remaining group-stage fixtures in mid-November.

Bondscoach Xavi Hernández, zondagavond in Eindhoven tegen Servië — Photo: NRC

Upcoming Group Fixtures in November

Oranje will resume UEFA Nations League action in mid-November with return matches against Greece and Germany to determine the final standings of the group stage. Xavi indicated plans to adjust squad depth ahead of those fixtures to manage player fatigue effectively.