Xavi's Oranje debut ends in draw: What the new attacking style means for Dutch football fans

New Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández had his first taste of competitive football in the Oranje dugout on Friday, and it ended with a stoppage-time equaliser against Germany in the Nations League. Cody Gakpo’s volley in the 93rd minute secured a 1-1 draw in Amsterdam — a result that felt like a win given the team’s second-half dominance.

For international fans living in the Netherlands, this match was the first real glimpse of what the Spanish legend plans to bring to the Dutch national team. And the early verdict: more attacking football, a willingness to trust young talent, and a clear departure from the pragmatic style of his predecessor Ronald Koeman.

Xavi's philosophy: 'The university of football'

Xavi, 46, was officially presented as Oranje coach in August, signing a four-year contract until the 2030 World Cup. He is the first foreign coach of the men's team since Austria's Ernst Happel led the Netherlands to the 1978 World Cup final. At his introductory press conference, Xavi called the Netherlands the “university of football” — a nod to the country’s total football tradition that heavily influenced his own playing style at Barcelona under Pep Guardiola DutchNews.

“My feeling today is that I’m going to the university of football,” Xavi said. “I learned a lot during my career as a player and a coach that I want to give back.”

He was the KNVB’s third choice after Guardiola (who took a sabbatical) and Arne Slot (who stayed at Liverpool). But Xavi brushed off questions about that: “It’s not a bad position after Guardiola and Slot. At least we’re on the podium.” NL Times

First squad: Veerman back, Van Dijk stays, Saudi players included

Xavi’s first squad selection, announced in September, sent several signals. He recalled Joey Veerman, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder who had been frozen out by Koeman after a falling-out before the World Cup. Captain Virgil van Dijk, now 35, was retained — ending speculation he might retire from international duty. Tijjani Reijnders and Crysencio Summerville also kept their places despite moving to Saudi Arabian clubs in the summer, a break from Koeman’s policy of not selecting players from that league DutchNews.

Notable omissions: all-time top scorer Memphis Depay (injured) and veteran striker Wout Weghorst. Instead, Xavi handed first call-ups to Twente’s Gjivai Zechiël and PSV winger Ruben van Bommel — son of former international Mark van Bommel and grandson of former coach Bert van Marwijk.

The match: Nervous start, dominant second half

Against Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena, the Netherlands started nervously. Germany took the lead in the 32nd minute when Felix Nmecha scored from a loose ball after the Dutch had expected play to be stopped for an injury to Brian Brobbey. Captain Van Dijk expressed frustration: “We thought the ball should have gone out, but it didn’t.”

But the second half was a different story. Xavi’s side pressed higher and created several chances. Debutant striker Mexx Meerdink missed a golden opportunity, but in stoppage time, another debutant — Ruben van Bommel — delivered a perfect cross that Gakpo volleyed home. “We were a little nervous in the first half, but the second half is the way we want to play,” Xavi said afterwards DutchNews.

What this means for fans in the Netherlands

For expats and internationals living here, Xavi’s appointment is more than just a football story — it’s a cultural touchstone. Dutch football is a core part of national identity, and the national team’s style often mirrors broader societal values: direct, attacking, and principled. Koeman’s defensive approach was widely criticised after the World Cup exit to Morocco. Xavi’s promise to play 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 formations — rather than five at the back — signals a return to the “total football” that made the Netherlands famous worldwide.

Practical takeaway: If you’re new to Dutch football, expect more exciting matches and a team that takes risks. The next test comes quickly — Oranje travel to Belgrade to face Serbia on Sunday in their second Nations League group game. Xavi has already hinted he may call up a replacement striker after Brobbey’s injury, with Weghorst among the candidates.

Whether Xavi can truly revive the Dutch school remains to be seen, but for now, the university of football has a new professor.