The Netherlands national team has made important adjustments to its starting lineup for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League group stage fixture against Serbia. Head coach Xavi has revamped portions of the squad following roster changes and a hard-fought opening draw.
According to predictive reports from Voetbalzone, midfielder Joey Veerman is set to earn a spot in the starting XI for the match at Stadion Rajko Mitic in Belgrade. Kickoff is scheduled for 18:00. Veerman earned his promotion to the starting lineup after delivering a strong performance off the bench last Thursday during a 1-1 draw against Germany.
Veerman will slot into the midfield alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders. He takes the place of Quinten Timber, who drops to the bench for the Group A2 clash.
Changes in the Attack
Up front, AZ forward Mexx Meerdink gets the nod as the central striker. The tactical shift comes after Brian Brobbey sustained an injury, prompting his withdrawal from the squad and a subsequent call-up for Joshua Zirkzee.
Meerdink convinced the coaching staff of his readiness following a substitute appearance against Germany last week, a match where he managed to put the ball in the net only to have the goal disallowed.
Looking for First Group Win
Both Serbia and the Netherlands enter Sunday’s encounter looking for their first victory of the new Nations League campaign. Serbia is hoping to rebound after suffering last-minute heartbreak against Greece, while the Dutch aim to build momentum off their promising opening point against Germany.
Under the guidance of Xavi, the squad is eager to secure a statement victory in Belgrade to validate the early optimism surrounding this new era for Dutch football.
