Former PSV midfielder Joey Veerman is silencing critics under Xavi Hernández, utilising his elite vision and precise set pieces to transform the Oranje’s attack after years in international exile.
After two years away from the Netherlands national team, Joey Veerman has been handed a fresh opportunity under new head coach Xavi Hernández.
The former PSV midfielder disappeared from the international picture following Euro 2024 under Ronald Koeman. But with Xavi now in charge, Veerman has returned to Oranje and is beginning to receive renewed recognition for the qualities he can bring to the side.
Former coach and analyst Gertjan Verbeek believes Veerman could benefit significantly from working with Xavi, pointing to similarities between the midfielder and his new international manager.
“I think Joey Veerman can be very happy that Xavi has become head coach. He does see a certain similarity in him and Joey.”
![Wesley Sneijder has also acknowledged after the Netherlands' recent match that Veerman had impressed him. [Reuters]](https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/7e6a01a9-b858-4d52-9fb7-009a73902c90.jpeg)
Wesley Sneijder has also acknowledged after the Netherlands' recent match that Veerman had impressed him. [Reuters]Verbeek believes Veerman possesses a particular ability to spot opportunities that other players may miss, especially when it comes to creating chances.
“He is the man for the through ball and surprising turns in the game. He sees things that many people don't see.”
Set pieces are another area where Verbeek feels Veerman's qualities stand out. The midfielder has regularly been entrusted with dead-ball situations, with his ability to deliver accurately viewed as an important part of his game.
“The person who takes them is 70, 80 percent responsible for success. If the balls aren’t well played into position, it becomes difficult for the players in front of goal.”
Verbeek added that Veerman's deliveries are rarely without purpose.
“Every set piece Joey takes has a thought behind it. He can place them wherever he wants.”
Joey Veerman proved Verbeek's words absolutely correct as he provided a corner kick assist for Virgil van Dijk to score in the 59th minute during the Netherlands' dramatic 2-2 draw against Greece in the UEFA Nations League on October 1, 2026.
Sneijder and Derksen Also Change Their Assessment
Verbeek is not the only prominent Dutch football figure to have praised Veerman recently.
Wesley Sneijder, who has previously been critical of the midfielder, acknowledged after the Netherlands' recent match that Veerman had impressed him.
“I’ve always been quite critical of Veerman. But at times I really enjoyed him. Almost all of them seemed to land. If he stays in this form… He has to grow into it again.”
Sneijder also welcomed the fact that Veerman had produced a strong performance after returning to the international setup.
Johan Derksen has similarly softened his previous stance. The analyst had previously agreed with Koeman's decision to leave Veerman out, citing concerns over his tendency to lose possession.
But Derksen now believes Veerman is showing that he can provide something different.
“Veerman is a crazy good footballer, but when it comes to losing the ball, he doesn't contribute. Then you play with ten against eleven.”
However, as quoted by PSV Inside, Derksen acknowledged the midfielder's recent performances and his ability to prove his former critics wrong.
“Now he's a bit proving Koeman wrong. He places the balls where you want.”
For Veerman, Xavi's appointment has opened a new chapter with Oranje, and his performances are once again putting his passing range, vision, and set-piece delivery firmly in the spotlight.
