The Netherlands and Germany begin their UEFA Nations League campaigns at the Johan Cruijff Arena The rivalry already gives the match plenty of interest, but the debuts of Xavi Hernández and Jürgen Klopp add another layer to the meeting in Amsterdam.

Both coaches are expected to introduce a more aggressive style, and neither side lacks attacking quality. With new ideas being implemented after only a few training sessions, there could also be opportunities at both ends of the pitch.

Xavi begins a new era for the Netherlands

Xavi takes charge of the Netherlands for the first time after replacing Ronald Koeman. The former Barcelona coach has already made several significant decisions, including leaving record goalscorer Memphis Depay out of his first squad.

Virgil van Dijk remains captain, while established players such as Cody Gakpo, Denzel Dumfries, Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders have all been included. Ruben van Bommel has also received his first senior call-up following an impressive start to the season with PSV.

Depay’s absence leaves the Netherlands without their most experienced forward, but there are still several possible combinations in attack. Gakpo can play centrally or from the left, while Donyell Malen, Brian Brobbey, Justin Kluivert and Noa Lang give Xavi different options.

The biggest question is how quickly the team can adapt. Xavi wants the Netherlands to take more initiative and play with greater intensity, but he has had limited time to communicate those ideas before facing one of Europe’s strongest teams.

Home advantage should help. The Netherlands have enough pace in wide areas to attack Germany’s defensive line, particularly if Frimpong or Dumfries are given freedom to move forward.

Klopp starts with a strong German squad

Germany are also beginning a new chapter following the appointment of Jürgen Klopp.

Klopp has selected two separate groups for the extended international period, with the first squad being used against the Netherlands and Greece. The group travelling to Amsterdam includes Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, while Karim Adeyemi has returned to the squad. Marc-André ter Stegen is expected to start in goal.

Germany should immediately look familiar under their new coach. Klopp’s teams have traditionally pressed high, attacked quickly after recovering possession and committed several players forward. Those ideas suit the options available to him, particularly with Musiala operating between the lines and Adeyemi offering pace behind the defence.

However, the same approach could leave space for the Netherlands. Germany will not have had much time to establish their pressing structure, and one missed challenge could give Gakpo, Malen or Frimpong room to attack.

Klopp has enough quality to make a winning start, but this is a difficult first assignment. Germany are facing a talented Dutch team away from home while also adjusting to new defensive responsibilities.

Recent meetings suggest another competitive match

The teams met twice during the previous Nations League campaign.

Their match in Amsterdam finished 2–2 after goals from Tijjani Reijnders, Deniz Undav, Joshua Kimmich and Denzel Dumfries. Germany later won the return fixture 1–0 in Munich.

Another close match should be expected. The Netherlands have the home support and enough individual quality to cause Germany problems, while the visitors appear slightly stronger through the centre of the pitch.

Choosing a winner is difficult because both teams are entering the match under new management. Their attacking quality is easier to trust than their defensive organisation at this stage.

Verdict

The first match under a new coach often brings additional energy, and that should be visible from both teams in Amsterdam.

The Netherlands are unlikely to sit deep at home, especially with Xavi asking his players to take the initiative. Germany should be equally aggressive under Klopp and possess enough quality through Musiala, Havertz and Adeyemi to create chances.

Neither side has had enough preparation time to perfect its defensive structure. That makes an open match more likely, with both teams capable of scoring even if the overall performance remains uneven.

Tip

Both teams to score