Image Credits: Imago Images
Greece will take on the Netherlands at the Stadio Toumbas on Thursday night in League A Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League.
The hosts sit top of the table with two wins from two games, while the Netherlands are second with four points from one win and one draw.
The Netherlands are unbeaten in their last seven matches after 90 minutes, recording four wins and three draws, although they were eliminated on penalties by Morocco in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32.
Xavi has overseen a draw and a victory in his first two games as Netherlands head coach following his appointment after their World Cup exit.
Tottenham defender Jan Paul van Hecke has withdrawn from the squad after suffering a foot injury during Sunday’s win over Serbia.
Xavi has refused to reveal who will replace Van Hecke against Greece, but suggested captain Virgil van Dijk could fill in on the right side of central defence.
Liverpool defender Van Dijk is one of the options being considered to replace the injured Van Hecke. “We still haven’t decided. We will do that tomorrow,” Xavi said at the press conference on Wednesday.
“We have several options, but you will see that tomorrow. I have spoken to him (Virgil van Dijk) and he is ready for it.
“He can play perfectly there on the right. We know, of course, that he is comfortable on the left, but if the team needs him on the right, he will adapt.”
Van Dijk is right-footed but plays on the left side of central defence for both Liverpool and the Netherlands. He has featured in every Premier League game this season for the Andoni Iraola’s side and remains one of the world’s best defenders.
He finished second in the 2019 Ballon d’Or and has won every major trophy available in England including the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Community Shield.
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