Virgil van Dijk remains captain of the Netherlands under new head coach Xavi Hernández, but former PSV goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus believes the Liverpool defender should no longer be part of the national team.

Speaking on the Skiete Willy Podcast from Voetbal International, Waterreus made clear that his comments were not a reflection of Van Dijk’s ability as a footballer but rather his view on the direction Oranje should take.

“If I were a national team coach, then I wouldn’t have selected Virgil van Dijk anymore. That doesn’t mean to say that Van Dijk isn’t a good player.”

Waterreus then questioned what he sees as Van Dijk’s desire for recognition in the Netherlands.

“He quite likes seeking recognition, which I find rather strange.”

The former Netherlands international, who won seven caps, also used the discussion to assess Xavi’s first selections since taking charge.

While Xavi has introduced new faces to the Netherlands setup, Waterreus felt the initial selection lacked the level of change he had expected from a new coach.

“What I found striking was the first selection; I missed some drive. It is not about whether Jantje, Pietje or Klaasje is or is not invited. I thought there was little innovation in it.”

Waterreus also questioned the makeup of Xavi’s first starting XI, suggesting the early changes did not go far enough.

“In his first lineup, there were two other names, and I didn't find that very forward-thinking either.”

However, his assessment of the new era has changed as Xavi has begun to give opportunities to players outside the established group.

Waterreus pointed to Mexx Meerdink and Ruben van Bommel as examples of the new energy emerging under Xavi.

Meerdink has since attracted considerable attention, including with two goals against Serbia. Waterreus also felt the forward made a strong impression during his cameo against Germany.

“But gradually, and depending on how it sometimes goes, there was indeed new impetus.”

As quoted by PSV Inside, he added:

“For example, Mexx Meerdink: we’re talking now about two goals against Serbia, but I also found him against Germany to have made a very deserving cameo.”

Van Bommel has similarly benefited from Xavi’s willingness to introduce younger players, with Waterreus noting how quickly that fresh impetus has become associated with the new head coach.

“Ruben van Bommel came on, and that impetus is also transferred to Xavi in one go.”

The comments underline a wider debate around the balance between experience and renewal in the Netherlands squad as Xavi begins shaping his Oranje side, with Van Dijk's role as captain now also under scrutiny from Waterreus.