Xavi Hernández bolsters the Oranje leadership hierarchy, tasking Denzel Dumfries and Cody Gakpo with guiding a fresh generation of talent alongside established captain Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk will remain captain of the Netherlands under new head coach Xavi Hernández, while former PSV stars Denzel Dumfries and Cody Gakpo have been identified as provisional vice-captains.
Xavi has also included Nathan Aké in the leadership group for the current international break, with the Spanish coach explaining that he wants the Netherlands’ more experienced players to take responsibility for guiding a younger generation.
Speaking to NOS, Xavi outlined his thinking behind the decision.
“Not only Virgil is important. Denzel, Cody, Nathan, the more experienced players should help the young players and the new generation.”
The Netherlands are currently without Frenkie de Jong, who would ordinarily be among the senior figures in the squad. In his absence, Xavi has opted to give greater responsibility to Dumfries, Gakpo and Aké alongside Van Dijk.
“Of course they must be important within the squad. Since Frenkie is not there, Denzel, Cody and Nathan will be the stand-in captains,” Xavi said, as relayed by PSV Inside.
Dumfries and Gakpo both have a strong connection with PSV, having developed into established Netherlands internationals after their time at the Eindhoven club. Dumfries previously captained PSV before moving to Inter Milan, while Gakpo came through the club’s academy and went on to become one of the Netherlands’ leading attacking players.
For Xavi, however, the decision is based primarily on experience and their ability to influence the squad rather than their club backgrounds.
The appointment is not necessarily permanent. Xavi and his coaching staff will reassess the leadership group during the next international window in November before deciding which players are best suited to remain among the reserve captains.
For now, Van Dijk retains the armband, with Dumfries, Gakpo and Aké expected to provide the senior leadership around him as Xavi begins shaping his Netherlands side.
