Netherlands Player Ratings vs Serbia: Mexx Meerdink Shines in Xavi Hernandez's First Win

Netherlands Triumph Over Serbia with Mexx Meerdink Leading the Charge

Mexx Meerdink scored twice to secure a 2-1 victory for the Netherlands against Serbia in the UEFA Nations League, handing Xavi Hernandez his first competitive win as Oranje manager. Despite an early equalizer from Luka Jovic, the Dutch dominated possession and territory throughout the match.

The game took place at Stadion Rajko Mitic, where the Netherlands controlled 67% of the ball and fired 25 shots. Meerdink's calm penalty in the first half and a crucial late goal made the difference. Serbia responded quickly after halftime through Jovic, but the tactical discipline and energy of the Dutch midfield, especially from Joey Veerman, helped maintain control and claim the three points.

Goalkeeper and Defence

• Bart Verbruggen - 6/10: The Brighton goalkeeper had few moments to intervene but couldn’t stop Jovic’s strike right after the break. He ended with five saves, providing a steady base during Serbian counterattacks.
• Virgil van Dijk - 7/10: The captain remained composed under physical pressure, directing the defense and contributing heavily to the team’s 634 completed passes, keeping the defensive line solid despite pushing high up the pitch.
• Jan Paul van Hecke - 6/10: Played steadily, helping limit Serbia to just six shots on target amid a hostile crowd.
• Micky van de Ven - 7/10: His speed was key in neutralizing Serbia’s long balls. His coverage allowed Dutch full-backs to advance, aiding the team’s 51 clearances under pressure late in the game.
• Denzel Dumfries - 6/10: A vigorous effort on the right wing before being subbed off in the 80th minute. His work helped keep Serbian wing-backs pinned back.

Midfield

• Joey Veerman - 8/10: The engine of the team, orchestrating possession and breaking lines with sharp vision. His influence was central to the Netherlands' expected goals (xG) tally of 3.46.
• Tijjani Reijnders - 7/10: Provided vertical runs that unsettled Serbia’s defensive block. He operated well in tight spaces before being replaced in the 67th minute.
• Ryan Gravenberch - 7/10: Protected the ball effectively and pushed forward from deep, playing a key role in transitions before making way for Kenneth Taylor.

Attack

• Mexx Meerdink - 9/10: Man of the match. Calmly converted a penalty in the 30th minute and later restored the lead with a well-timed finish in the 69th. His two goals secured the win and proved his clinical finishing skills.
• Cody Gakpo - 5/10: Had a disappointing night cut short by injury after just 17 minutes, limiting his impact.
• Crysencio Summerville - 7/10: Consistently dangerous with his direct runs and tricks, creating space that teammates exploited though he didn’t score.

Substitutes & Manager

• Ruben van Bommel - 6/10: Came on early for the injured Gakpo, worked hard to add width but lacked the final pass to truly threaten Serbia’s defence.
• Guus Til - 7/10: Made an immediate impact after coming on in the 67th minute, assisting Meerdink’s winning goal just two minutes later.
• Kenneth Taylor - 6/10: Brought on to stabilize midfield, kept things controlled as the team held onto the lead.
• Jurrien Timber - 5/10: Brief appearance starting in the 80th minute, received a yellow card as tensions rose late in the match.
• Quinten Timber - N/A: Entered at the 80th minute to add fresh legs for the final minutes.
• Xavi Hernandez (Manager) - 8/10: His tactics led to dominance across key stats. The substitution of Guus Til paid off immediately, and his management after the equalizer showed strong mental toughness instilled in the squad.

Upcoming Nations League Fixtures