Xavi Hernández has been unveiled as the new head coach of the Netherlands, describing his appointment as joining the "university of football" and pledging to build on the Dutch tradition of total football pioneered by Johan Cruyff. The Barcelona legend, whose footballing education at La Masia was steeped in Dutch influence via figures such as Louis van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard, said he wants his side to dominate matches, take the initiative with the ball, and play with passion and ambition, favouring formations such as 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-3 over a back five.

The 46-year-old has already spoken with senior players Frenkie de Jong and Virgil van Dijk and said he is open to selecting players from the Saudi Pro League, a notable shift from predecessor Ronald Koeman's stance. His appointment followed an approach process by KNVB elite football director Nigel de Jong, who first sounded out Pep Guardiola and held talks with Arne Slot before both opted to stay in club football; a parallel courtship of under-21s coach Michael Reiziger led to speculation he would get the job, before the KNVB announced Xavi's appointment on 12 August.