Netherlands host Germany in Amsterdam on Friday night as two European heavyweights begin new eras in the UEFA Nations League.
Jürgen Klopp takes charge of Germany for the first time after succeeding Julian Nagelsmann, while Xavi begins his Netherlands tenure after replacing Ronald Koeman. The match at the Johan Cruijff ArenA kicks off at the Bangladesh time being 00:45 on Friday.
Klopp has immediately put his stamp on Germany by naming two separate 22-man squads for their four Nations League matches against the Netherlands, Serbia and Greece.
The unusual approach gives the new coach an extended look at his player pool. Klopp said there is “no A or B team”, with the squads selected according to what makes sense on the pitch and in terms of character and experience.
Sixteen players in the expanded selection are uncapped, while Finn Dahmen is the only goalkeeper required across all four matches. Freiburg have four representatives, while promoted Elversberg’s Felix Keidel and Celtic’s Mika Baur are among those receiving attention.
Xavi faces a different challenge with the Netherlands. He is the country’s first foreign head coach since Ernst Happel’s brief spell ended in 1978 and takes charge of a side that endured a disappointing World Cup.
Virgil van Dijk remains captain after considering international retirement during the summer. Frenkie de Jong and Donyell Malen remain unavailable through injury, while Joey Veerman returns to the international set-up after more than two years away.
The Netherlands are expected to use a 4-3-3, with Ryan Gravenberch, Veerman and Tijjani Reijnders forming the midfield. Brian Brobbey leads the attack, supported by Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong.
Germany are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, with Joshua Kimmich at right-back, a midfield pairing of Felix Nmecha and Nadiem Amiri, and Jamal Musiala operating behind Kai Havertz.
Klopp has spoken about wanting a committed, front-footed Germany, while the Netherlands will look to Xavi for a more technically focused approach.
Justin Kluivert and Donyell Malen have withdrawn from the Netherlands squad through injury. Germany will also be without Brajan Gruda.
Musiala arrives in strong club form, having registered three goal contributions in his last three games for Bayern Munich.
