Frenkie de Jong captained the Netherlands national team for the first time during a 7-0 victory over Greece, stepping in after Virgil van Dijk withdrew from the squad.
National coach Xavi Hernández selected De Jong for the role due to his personality and tactical understanding, according to NOS.
“Tomorrow is Frenkie the captain,” Xavi told NOS ahead of the match, adding that the decision was made after Van Dijk pulled out on Monday. “I know Frenkie very well and that is one of the reasons. He snapt our way of playing and is a leader.”
Ajax Showtime reported that Xavi cited two primary reasons for the appointment, highlighting both the midfielder’s character and his status among the world’s best players.
De Jong did not complete the match against Greece, remaining in the dressing room at halftime while his team held a 5-0 lead, nos.nl reported.
The midfielder told NOS Jeroen Stekelenburg that his departure was purely precautionary following his recent recovery from injury and a demanding travel schedule.
“It was 5-0, of course,” De Jong said. “I’m just back from an injury, so it was fine like that. Out of precaution? Yes. It’s not like I already have a lot of match rhythm, with so much travel, and a bit of history of course, it wasn’t necessary to take risks.”
Xavi offered a different explanation for the early exit, FCUpdate.nl reported. The coach said that De Jong was dealing with back discomfort and requested a substitution.
“Or he had to go off because of his fitness? No, no, no. He had some trouble with his back,” Xavi said. “He told me: mister, I can’t keep playing. He already had trouble with it before the match.”
Stekelenburg said that De Jong appeared reluctant to fully disclose the physical issue during their post-match conversation.
The Netherlands faces Germany on Monday evening in a Nations League fixture that carries minimal consequence for qualification standings, as Oranje has nearly secured its place in the quarterfinals.
Xavi expressed optimism regarding De Jong’s availability for the upcoming fixture in Germany, stating that he expects the midfielder to be fit to play.
De Jong received the armband because regular captain Virgil van Dijk withdrew from the squad due to a lack of fitness. Xavi pointed to De Jong’s leadership qualities, personality, and familiarity with the team’s tactical setup.
Denzel Dumfries and Cody Gakpo serve as the reserve captains behind De Jong for the current international fixtures.
Xavi indicated that he expects De Jong to recover from his back discomfort in time to face Germany on Monday evening.
Oranje takes on Germany on Monday in a match where the result has virtually no impact on qualification for the Nations League quarterfinals.