Xavi Explains Why Weghorst Was Excluded from Netherlands Plans Ahead of Germany Clash

On June 7, 2026, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed the Netherlands national team squad for two Nations League matches against Germany and Iceland. In this squad, the name Wout Weghorst was notably absent — an absence not entirely surprising to those who closely followed coach Xavi's tactics throughout the Euro 2026 qualifying campaign. In an interview with ESPN Netherlands, coach Xavi stated his position clearly: "We have other plans. Important attackers are on the list." This concise answer contains multiple layers of tactical significance worth analyzing. Weghorst currently has 53 caps for the Netherlands national team, scoring 14 goals. Standing at 1m97, the striker currently playing for Burnley represents the classic "target man" profile — playing based on physical stature, aerial ability, and presence in the penalty box. This playing style makes him an ideal option for headed goals, direct free kicks, and lumping the ball forward in matches requiring a change of pace. However, coach Xavi appears not to value this tactical model in the current context. The match against Germany took place just one day after the squad announcement, and the Netherlands needed a more flexible attacking option rather than a traditional center-forward. Theoretically, Germany under coach Julian Nagelsmann has shifted to a 3-4-2-1 formation with three center-backs playing deep. With this setup, Germany's fullbacks frequently push high to create pressure while the three center-backs hold the defensive line firmly. A target man like Weghorst would struggle to exploit space between the lines, as Germany's organized defensive play leaves minimal gaps behind the backline. Conversely, the current Netherlands squad possesses diverse attacking options. Memphis Depay, despite moving to Atletico Madrid, remains the focal point of the attacking system. Cody Gakpo brings pace and positional versatility. Xavi Simons, the young player on loan at PSG, can play across multiple attacking positions. While none can match Weghorst in height, all possess the ability to move, combine, and create chances from various angles. The decision to exclude Weghorst also reflects the tactical philosophy Xavi is building for the Netherlands. Since taking over as head coach, he has prioritized possession-based football, high pressing, and quick transitions. This model requires forwards to constantly move, apply pressure from behind, and create one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper rather than waiting for the ball to arrive in the penalty area. Nevertheless, Xavi has left the door open for Weghorst. In the same interview, he stated: "The door is open to everyone, including him." This isn't merely diplomatic courtesy but strategic thinking. With Nations League fixtures in November, the Netherlands may face opponents playing deeper defensive lines, at which point Weghorst would become a viable backup option. From a refereeing perspective, this decision affects no FIFA or UEFA rules. This is purely a personnel decision by the coaching staff, and federations have no right to intervene. However, from a match observer's viewpoint, this represents a personnel puzzle clearly reflecting the difference between two coaching schools: one betting on physical stature and set-piece situations, the other trusting in pace, movement, and tactical flexibility. The 2-1 victory over Germany partially validated Xavi's philosophy. The Netherlands scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute from a fast counter-attack, not from a corner kick or direct free kick where Weghorst might excel. However, the subsequent 0-2 defeat at the Allianz Arena also revealed the downside of possession-based play — when opponents play aggressively and press intensely, the Netherlands lack a Plan B to break the deadlock. Weghorst may not fit Xavi's current plans, but he remains a tactically valuable weapon in the Netherlands' arsenal. The question isn't "whether to use Weghorst" but "when to use Weghorst." Only actual competition can answer that question.