Why Sepp van den Berg is Xavi's surprise at Orange

Van den Berg, 24, replaces Van Dijk in the Netherlands squad; Brentford defender chosen for his complementary defensive qualities.

Sepp van den Berg has been called up to the Netherlands squad as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk, a selection that surprised many given the Brentford defender has played outside the Netherlands since 2019. New coach Xavi's choice reflects a deliberate pairing strategy, selecting players whose strengths complement the existing defensive options.

Van den Berg developed through loan spells at Preston North End, Schalke 04, and Mainz before joining Brentford in summer 2024 after leaving Liverpool. The 24-year-old possesses the physical profile Liverpool identified when signing him at 18: over 1.90m tall, naturally strong in duels, and above-average pace over longer distances.

At Brentford, he has continued to develop qualities that are particularly valuable as Van Dijk approaches the end of his international career.