Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has omitted Lazio midfielder Kenneth Taylor from his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and Germany. Taylor had previously featured under Hernandez during the initial selection and appeared in the away match against Serbia.
Taylor's omission
The 24-year-old midfielder's omission was Hernandez's hardest selection decision for this squad. Speaking at his Monday morning press conference, Xavi said: “In the first period, the hardest decision was Memphis, and now it was Kenneth.”
Still in the picture
Speaking at his Monday morning press conference, Xavi said: “He could have been included, but he is certainly in the picture. If he performs like this, he can certainly return. If he keeps scoring like this, he will come back.”
Midfield competition
Xavi said fierce competition in midfield, including the returns of Frenkie de Jong, Justin Kluivert and Joey Veerman, had contributed to Taylor being left out of the final squad. Asked whether Veerman and De Jong could feature together in midfield, Xavi replied: “Yes, that is a possibility. All good players can play together. Joey is doing well in Dortmund. Frenkie is a top player; I used him as a central defender myself at Barcelona. But that is not my preference, of course.”
Selection choices
Xavi said player form and club performances remain the ultimate guiding principle for his selections. His side opted to retain Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël within the senior setup rather than releasing them to the Under-21 squad for European Championship play-offs.
