ZEIST, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 12: Frenkie de Jong of Hollandg during the Training Holland at the KNVB Campus on November 12, 2026 in Zeist, Netherlands.
(Photo by Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images) Getty ImagesNetherlands boss Xavi Hernandez has confirmed Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be his captain for two Nations League fixtures over the international break.
Regular skipper Virgil van Dijk has dropped out due to injury, meaning De Jong has been handed the armband for the national team.
Xavi explained why he went for De Jong over other experienced options including Denzel Dumfries and Cody Gakpo.
These reasons are very important to me as a coach.”De Jong will lead the team on Friday against Greece.
Gill Clark is the site manager of Barca Blaugranes and joined in 2017. She has worked in sports media as a writer and editor for the best part of two decades and has been in love with the beautiful game for as long as she can remember.
ZEIST, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 12: Frenkie de Jong of Hollandg during the Training Holland at the KNVB Campus on November 12, 2026 in Zeist, Netherlands. (Photo by Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images) Getty Images
Netherlands boss Xavi Hernandez has confirmed Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong will be his captain for two Nations League fixtures over the international break.
Regular skipper Virgil van Dijk has dropped out due to injury, meaning De Jong has been handed the armband for the national team.
Xavi explained why he went for De Jong over other experienced options including Denzel Dumfries and Cody Gakpo.
“First of all, his personality. He wants the ball, he wants to improve every day and be part of the team. I know him very well and he always takes responsibility,” he told reporters.
“And of course, also because of his qualities. I consider him one of the best midfielders in the world. These reasons are very important to me as a coach.”
De Jong will lead the team on Friday against Greece. The Netherlands then play again on Monday against Jurgen Klopp’s Germany.
