Sepp van den Berg will make his international debut for the Netherlands this Friday in the Nations League after being called up to replace the injured Virgil van Dijk, according to Xavi Hernandez.
The 24-year-old Brentford defender was added to the squad following Van Dijk’s withdrawal due to physical complaints, making him a potential fourth debutant under coach Xavi Hernandez during this Nations League period. He could follow Mexx Meerdink, Ruben van Bommel, and Gjivai Zechiël, who debuted during the coach’s first international period in September and October.
The call-up arrived while Van den Berg was on holiday in Marrakech. After receiving a message following an initial missed call, he quickly booked flights to join the team. The defender joined training on Wednesday after having two days of rest.
“I went down a little earlier this morning to talk to Xavi. After that, I had to get straight to work. That was a bit tough, because I hadn’t done anything for two days,” Van den Berg said to OnsOranje.
“It is a great honor, a boys’ dream,” Van den Berg said to OnsOranje. “I am very happy to be here. I know many boys from Jong Oranje and there are also many boys I have played against. I have been very well received. The first day went well.”
“The last 24 hours were very hectic. I had just been one day in Marrakech. I was on holiday with my girlfriend. I was called in the morning, but I didn’t pick up at first. I thought: ‘I am on holiday, so nobody should call me.’ Luckily I received a text after that. Then I called back very quickly and booked my flights,” Van den Berg said to OnsOranje.
Van den Berg’s inclusion is a coincidence that connects him to the player he is replacing. During his time at Liverpool, Van Dijk helped the then-17-year-old integrate into the squad. The former PEC Zwolle player arrived at Liverpool seven years ago on a dream transfer.
“But Virgil van Dijk made sure that I really felt welcome,” Van den Berg said to the Brentford website in May. “I remember that Van Dijk said to the kit man on my first day: arrange that his place in the locker room is next to mine. It was precisely those small things that made me feel more at home.”
“Those moments I will never forget,” Van den Berg said. “He was the best defender in the world at that time. I observed what he did, how he played, how he spoke, how he led the team. To experience that from close up was priceless.”
Xavi will lead a 23-man squad against Greece at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, as the coach has opted not to call up direct replacements for both Van Dijk and the injured striker Brian Brobbey, who also withdrew on Monday. The match is scheduled for 20:45 and will be broadcast live on NPO3. Following the Greece match in Amsterdam, the team will play Germany in Berlin on Monday.
A predicted lineup for the match includes Bart Verbruggen in goal, with Jurriën Timber starting at right-back and Micky van de Ven moving to the center. Jan Paul van Hecke and Van de Ven are expected to partner in central defense, while Ian Maatsen is slated to start on the left.
Timber’s inclusion comes at the expense of Denzel Dumfries, who is currently a substitute at Real Madrid under José Mourinho. The midfield is expected to feature Frenkie de Jong, who is fit to start, alongside Joey Veerman and Tijjani Reijnders. Donyell Malen is expected to lead the attack, supported by Crysencio Summerville on the right and Cody Gakpo on the left.
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