Xavi faces a baptism of fire as head coach of the Netherlands national team. Voetbalzone join the Spanish coach in looking ahead and predict which players will start against Germany in the Nations League on Thursday.
Robin Roefs has been playing very well for Sunderland for some time, and that has often led to calls for him to be given a chance in goal. Even so, Bart Verbruggen remains the Netherlands' first choice under Xavi.
At right-back, Denzel Dumfries gets the nod ahead of Jurriën Timber, who is still working on his fitness. Jan Paul van Hecke partners Virgil van Dijk, who remains involved for the national side as captain. Micky van de Ven slots in on the left of the Netherlands defence.
With Frenkie de Jong and Jerdy Schouten absent, Xavi has a midfield puzzle to solve. Joey Veerman is back with the Netherlands after two years and goes straight into the starting XI against Germany. Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders complete the midfield.
On the right wing, Crysencio Summerville gets the chance to prove himself after impressing at the World Cup. Brian Brobbey scored a hat-trick against Manchester City and will hope to carry that form into Thursday. Cody Gakpo must provide the supply from the left.
Revenge is in the air for both the Netherlands and Germany. The Netherlands were knocked out by Morocco in the round of 32 at the World Cup, while Germany embarrassed themselves against Paraguay in the same round.
Probable Netherlands line-up: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Veerman, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo.