Dutch record goalscorer Memphis Depay was left out of new coach Xavi Hernandez’s first selection Friday, but captain Virgil van Dijk is in the squad to take on Germany.
The 32-year-old striker, now playing for Corinthians in Brazil, has been the subject of speculation for months after featuring only on the fringe at the Oranje’s disappointing World Cup.
Depay has scored 55 goals in a Dutch shirt but has not found the back of the net since November 2025 in a World Cup qualifier against Poland.
The former Barcelona and Manchester United forward has battled injuries and a loss of form in recent months and even took a pay cut to extend his contract in Brazil.
Veteran striker Wout Weghorst also misses out, as does Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, who is injured.
Van Dijk had also refused to commit to international football after his Dutch team were dumped out of
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