Xavi Lays Out Attacking Blueprint for the Netherlands

Xavi Hernández has outlined an attacking, possession-led plan for the Netherlands after being presented as the national team's head coach. The Guardian reported that the former Barcelona midfielder wants his side to control matches with the ball while displaying passion, desire and ambition. His preferred options include 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-3 rather than a five-defender system.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlhBuGqmhhE

The 46-year-old linked his approach to the Dutch influence that shaped his career at Barcelona. La Masia's football principles were heavily informed by Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff, while Xavi made his first-team debut under Louis van Gaal and later played for Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola. He also recalled personal meetings with Cruyff late in the Dutch great's life.

Xavi said his immediate priority is to help the players and build a process capable of winning. According to The Guardian, he has already spoken with Frenkie de Jong, whom he coached at Barcelona, and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk. He plans another conversation with Van Dijk to discuss the defender's ambitions for the national team.

The new coach also made clear that footballers based in the Saudi Pro League remain eligible for selection. That position is relevant after Tijjani Reijnders moved from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah last week. Xavi said he would consider players from Saudi Arabia, the Eredivisie, Premier League and La Liga, judging them on their form rather than their competition.

Nigel de Jong, the Dutch federation's director of elite football, described the recruitment process during the presentation. He initially approached Guardiola, who did not want another job in the near future, before holding two meetings with Arne Slot, who chose to remain in club management. De Jong and supervisory board member Clarence Seedorf then met both Xavi and Netherlands under-21 coach Michael Reiziger.

The KNVB announced Xavi's appointment on August 12, and he said he was not concerned about where he stood in the federation's initial order of candidates. His first match will be a Nations League fixture against Germany in Amsterdam on September 24. Germany will also have a new coach for that meeting, with Jürgen Klopp beginning his tenure.