The Spanish icon’s first Oranje squad rewards Ruben van Bommel’s breakout form and welcomes back Joey Veerman, signaling a bold new era for Dutch football and PSV.
Xavi Hernández has made his first Netherlands squad and handed PSV a double boost, with Ruben van Bommel receiving his first senior call-up and Lutsharel Geertruida also included for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The new Oranje head coach announced his 26-man squad on Friday, officially beginning his tenure with several notable selection decisions.
For PSV, the headline is the inclusion of Van Bommel and Geertruida. Van Bommel earns his first senior call-up after a strong start to the season, while Geertruida has quickly established himself as an important part of Peter Bosz’s side since arriving on loan from RB Leipzig.
The selection means Van Bommel becomes the latest PSV player to earn a call-up to the Netherlands senior team after impressing at club level.
Veerman Returns to Oranje
There is also a familiar PSV name in Xavi’s squad, although Joey Veerman is now a Borussia Dortmund player.
The midfielder returns to the Netherlands setup after an absence of two years. His last international appearance came at Euro 2024, after which former head coach Ronald Koeman no longer selected him. Veerman had also openly expressed his frustration with the situation before the World Cup.
His performances in Germany have now earned him a return under Xavi. The 27-year-old is one of the notable experienced names brought back into the squad as the Spanish coach begins reshaping Oranje.
The decision has been welcomed by sections of the PSV support, with fans particularly pleased to see Van Bommel receive his opportunity and Veerman return to international football.
A New Beginning Under Xavi
Xavi’s first squad contains a mixture of established internationals and younger players. Van Bommel and Feyenoord midfielder Gjivai Zechiël are the two players receiving their first senior call-ups. Memphis Depay, meanwhile, is absent from the squad.
Xavi has four Nations League matches to begin his tenure. The Netherlands face Germany at home on September 24, Serbia away on September 27, Greece away on October 1 and Serbia again in Eindhoven on October 4.
For PSV, the selection represents another indication of the club’s growing presence in the national-team picture. Van Bommel has been rewarded for his early-season form, while Geertruida’s consistent starting role since his move to Eindhoven has earned him a place among Xavi’s defenders.
The biggest personal milestone, however, belongs to Van Bommel. The PSV winger now has his first opportunity to work under Xavi and make his case for a regular place in the Netherlands squad.
