Xavi admits his error, as he had initially snubbed the PSV midfielder, praising the playmaker's elite professionalism and match-winning impact ahead of a crucial clash against Greece.
Xavi Hernandez has admitted he should have selected PSV midfielder Guus Til for the Netherlands squad from the outset, rather than calling him up only after Justin Kluivert withdrew through injury.
The Netherlands face Greece on Thursday at 20:45, with the match marking Xavi’s third game in charge of Oranje. Til was initially overlooked by the Spanish coach but earned a late call-up following Kluivert’s withdrawal.
Xavi has now acknowledged that leaving the PSV midfielder out of his original selection was a mistake.
“Guus Til is doing great. He deserved to play. I also told him: ‘I was wrong, you belong in the squad’. You have to be honest,” Xavi told NOS, as quoted by PSV Inside.
The midfielder has impressed the Netherlands boss with his performances and professionalism, including his contribution in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade.
In Serbia, Til played a decisive role in the winning goal. Joey Veerman found him with a well-weighted pass before Til set up AZ striker Mexx Meerdink, who finished to secure all three points for Oranje.
Xavi was particularly pleased with the way Til has approached his work away from matchday action.
“He trains brilliantly, he is top to toe professional. I am very happy with him. I have already spoken with him,” Xavi said.
Til’s late inclusion has therefore developed into an opportunity for the PSV midfielder to underline his credentials within the national team setup.
Xavi’s comments also make clear that the decision to bring him into the squad was not simply a consequence of Kluivert’s absence but recognition of performances that warranted selection in the first place.
Meerdink, meanwhile, hastakend a similar path into the squad. The AZ striker was initially left out before being called up after former PSV forward Donyell Malen withdrew.
Xavi has also been impressed by the young striker’s attitude and willingness to work for the team.
“He works so hard for the team and he's happy. I'm also happy with him. It must be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it's going well,” the Netherlands coach said.
With both Til and Meerdink initially outside the squad before being handed their opportunities, Xavi has made it clear that their subsequent performances have strengthened their position within his plans.
For Til in particular, the Greece match offers another chance to justify the coach’s admission that he should have been involved from the beginning.
