Joshua Zirkzee warming up against Roma
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
The Netherlands will face Greece and Germany in November, but Joshua Zirkzee has missed out on a place in Xavi Hernandez’s latest squad.
Joshua Zirkzee must dread it whenever the Netherlands squad gets announced. After being overlooked by Ronald Koeman for the 2026 World Cup, the Manchester United forward was lucky to receive a late call-up in October because Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey sustained an injury.
The 25-year-old was an unused substitute against Serbia, but he made his first international appearance since 2024. Zirkzee came on in the 70th minute against Greece as the Netherlands drew 2-2 to ensure Xavi’s unbeaten record continues.
The 25-year-old, who has played 179 minutes for United in nine appearances across all competitions this season, has not done enough to warrant another call-up by Xavi this month. Though he will be waiting by the phone for another late call-up should another Dutch forward sustain an injury before they take on Germany in Berlin.
A return to normal rather than a snub for Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee’s last call-up was only a stopgap. He may have appeared in the second half against Greece, but his latest omission proves that he didn’t do enough to impress Xavi or his coaches. It is hard to argue a case for a player who isn’t playing regular football for their club, especially when it’s a country like the Netherlands, full of talented footballers.
Xavi has now left Zirkzee out of two squad selections since becoming national team coach. And the only reason he was called up last time was that a striker got hurt.
The reality for Zirkzee at this point is that he shouldn’t expect a call-up until he’s playing regular football. Everyone knew that wasn’t going to happen at United this season, so none of this should come as a surprise.
Last season’s outlet led to World Cup omission
It’s no wonder Zirkzee was overlooked by Koeman in the summer. Last season, the former Bayern Munich and Bologna forward registered just two goals in 26 appearances across all competitions.
To make matters worse, Zirkzee has scored just 10 goals in 84 appearances for United. A look at the forwards selected by Xavi this month will help you understand how far he is down the pecking order.
Netherlands full squad for November international break
Goalkeepers: Mark Flekken, Robin Roefs, Bart Verbruggen
Defenders: Denzel Dumfries, Lutsharel Geertruida, Ian Maatsen, Jurrien Timber, Micky van de Ven, Virgil van Dijk, Jan Paul van Hecke
Midfielders: Frenkie de Jong, Teun Koopmeiners, Tijjani Reijnders, Quinten Timber, Guus Til, Joey Veerman, Gjivai Zechiel
Forwards: Justin Kluivert, Ruben van Bommel, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen, Mexx Meerdink, Crysencio Summerville
Zirkzee has his work cut out for him if he plans on making Xavi’s future squads. It’s also the second time the former Barcelona midfielder has left the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer, Memphis Depay, out of his squad. The former United forward has scored 55 goals in 112 matches for his country.
Two national team managers, one verdict when it comes to Joshua Zirkzee
It should be clear to see now for Zirkzee that things are not working out, especially if he’s going to stay at United and sit on the bench. He wasn’t a preferred option under Koeman, and that won’t be changing anytime soon under Xavi.
Zirkzee has scored six goals in 42 appearances on the international stage. He’s had plenty of opportunities, but Xavi has better attacking players to select from, like Brobbey, Malen, and others.
All Zirkzee can do now is get his head down and contribute positively whenever called upon at United. He may need to reconsider his future if things don’t pick up.