Xavi called up Joshua Zirkzee as an injury replacement after calling him up as an injury replacement, believing he would suit the Netherlands’ new style of play.
Brian Brombie left the Netherlands after the 1-1 draw with Germany in their Nations League opener, and Zirkzee earned his first call-up to the national team in less than two years.
Zirkzee has represented the Netherlands six times and was last selected for the national team in November 2024.
The decision has been questioned and Zirkzee has made just four substitute appearances for United this season without scoring.
Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst are the other more common options in the position, but Xavi is confident Zirkzee will make his way into his squad.
“He’s very important for us. I think he’s a good player. He can help us tremendously,” Harvey said.
“Our striker has to understand our system and our ideas. At the moment he helps us more than anyone else. We focus on the players we choose.”
Welcome back, Joshua! pic.twitter.com/uc0ngrbVsr
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 25, 2026
The Netherlands needed Cody Gakpo’s 92nd-minute equalizer to take a point against Germany but Xavi believes it was the last thing they deserved after a dominant second-half performance.
The Oranje finished the game with 3.2 expected goals (xG) from 22 shots, 10 of which were on target, while Germany was grateful for Marc ter Stegen’s nine saves.
Xavi’s side are currently on a four-game winless run in the Nations League and the Spaniard will hope to achieve that goal when they face Serbia away on Sunday.
“We have to win. It’s an important game for the rankings,” Harvey said.
“[On Sunday]we will determine the lineup. I’m happy with all the players currently available.
“Serbia plays very differently. It will be a difficult game against a physical team. They will play a lot of long balls. We have to be ready for that.
“Our goal is to win and take three points.”
Serbia lost 1-2 to Greece in the Nations League opener and is at the bottom of Group A2, trailing only the Netherlands.