Kenya Sport

Netherlands Player Ratings vs Serbia: Mexx Meerdink Shines as Xavi Hernandez Claims First Win

In a tough Nations League clash at Stadion Rajko Mitic, Netherlands secured a 2-1 win against Serbia, handing Xavi Hernandez his first competitive victory as Oranje coach. Despite Serbia's resilience and an equalizer by Luka Jovic early in the second half, the Dutch held firm and controlled most of the match.

The Oranje dominated possession with 67%, firing off 25 shots throughout the game. Mexx Meerdink was the standout player, calmly converting a penalty in the first half and scoring the decisive goal in the 69th minute. The Dutch midfield, orchestrated by the tireless Joey Veerman, eventually overwhelmed Serbia’s defense.

This result places the Netherlands atop Group 2, showcasing their mix of creative play and defensive grit away from home.

Goalkeeper & Defence

  • Bart Verbruggen - 6/10: The Brighton keeper had few scares due to Dutch dominance but couldn’t stop Jovic’s quick equalizer after halftime. Finished with five saves, standing strong when needed.
  • Virgil van Dijk - 7/10: Captain Van Dijk kept the backline calm against Serbia’s physical play, contributed significantly to build-up with 634 passes, and maintained defensive stability despite pushing a high line.
  • Jan Paul van Hecke - 6/10: Steady at the back, helping limit Serbia to six shots on target amid a hostile atmosphere.
  • Micky van de Ven - 7/10: His speed in recovery was key to handling Serbia’s long balls, allowing full-backs to advance and contributing to 51 clearances during intense Serbian pressure.
  • Denzel Dumfries - 6/10: Delivered energetic runs down the right flank, maintaining pressure before being substituted in the 80th minute.

Midfield

  • Joey Veerman - 8/10: The team’s metronome, expertly recycling possession and breaking defensive lines. His vision helped the Netherlands generate an expected goals (xG) of 3.46.
  • Tijjani Reijnders - 7/10: Offered verticality to disrupt Serbia’s low block, performed well in tight spaces before being replaced in the 67th minute.
  • Ryan Gravenberch - 7/10: Continued strong form by shielding the ball and driving attacks from deep, playing a crucial role before coming off for Kenneth Taylor.

Attack

  • Mexx Meerdink - 9/10: Clear man of the match. Scored a composed penalty and netted the winning goal, proving to be a clinical finisher at this level.
  • Cody Gakpo - 5/10: A frustrating night cut short by injury just 17 minutes in, limiting his impact.
  • Crysencio Summerville - 7/10: Constant threat with direct runs and skillful movement, creating space that benefitted teammates.

Substitutes & Manager

  • Ruben van Bommel - 6/10: Replaced the injured Gakpo early, worked hard to add width though lacked the final pass to break the Serbian defense.
  • Guus Til - 7/10: Effective substitute who quickly assisted Meerdink’s winning goal after entering in the 67th minute.
  • Kenneth Taylor - 6/10: Came on to stabilize midfield and help maintain control after regaining the lead.
  • Jurrien Timber - 5/10: Brief and somewhat erratic appearance, picking up a yellow card late in the match.
  • Quinten Timber - N/A: Introduced late to bring fresh legs.
  • Xavi Hernandez (Manager) - 8/10: His tactical choices led to domination in all statistical areas. Bringing on Guus Til sparked the winning goal, and his management post-equalizer showed mental strength in the squad.

Upcoming Fixtures in UEFA Nations League A

  • Greece vs Netherlands - 1 Oct 2026, 21:45
  • Germany vs Serbia - 1 Oct 2026, 21:45

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