This time Xavi won't repair: Greece a 'good test' for Netherlands

Xavi says Greece is a good test for Netherlands to build on their second-half improvement from the reverse fixture, with Van Dijk out injured and Malen available.

Netherlands face Greece in a Nations League home fixture on Friday, with coach Xavi framing it as a chance to prove they have learned from their poor first-half performance in Thessaloniki a month ago. That match saw Oranje trail 2-0 at the break before recovering to draw 2-2 with goals from Virgil van Dijk and Tijjani Reijnders.

Xavi highlighted the improvements in the second half — better organisation, more aggressive pressing, and improved positioning — and wants to see that standard maintained throughout Friday's match. "The rest defence is very important. Tomorrow will be a good test for us," he said at his pre-match press conference.

Defensive changes are expected with Van Dijk sidelined by injury. Jurriën Timber, who started as a centre-back in Greece, is a likely option, with Xavi noting his versatility across multiple defensive positions. Sepp van den Berg, the Brentford defender who has just joined the squad following Van Dijk's withdrawal, is unlikely to start on his first appearance.

Donyell Malen, the in-form Roma forward, has returned to training and is available after missing Xavi's opening internationals through injury.