Frenkie de Jong captain of Netherlands in Van Dijk's absence

De Jong captains Netherlands against Greece on Friday after Van Dijk's injury absence; Dumfries and Gakpo are vice-captains.

Frenkie de Jong will captain the Netherlands in Friday's Nations League match against Greece, stepping in for the injured Virgil van Dijk. The Barcelona midfielder returns to international duty after missing the previous window with a knee injury from the World Cup.

Van Dijk, Liverpool's 35-year-old defender and Netherlands' regular captain with 100 caps, withdrew this week due to injury, as did Brian Brobbey. Coach Xavi confirmed the captaincy succession at his Thursday press conference, with Denzel Dumfries and Cody Gakpo as vice-captains.

Xavi said Van Dijk's absence should not be used as an excuse, noting the squad has other defensive options and leaders. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was also highlighted as a leadership figure, though his starting status for Friday remains uncertain.