Netherlands targets first clean sheet of the year
Denzel Dumfries insists Netherlands is working to improve its defensive performances as it targets its first clean sheet of the year.
Netherlands faces Serbia in the UEFA Nations League on Monday (AEDT), having conceded in each of its 11 matches in 2026.
It most recently conceded twice in a draw with Greece, but came from two goals down to salvage a point.
Netherlands is unbeaten in its three games under Xavi, leaving it second in its UEFA Nations League group.
Despite a solid start, Dumfries acknowledged the Oranje still need to improves at the back.
"That is a nice challenge for the team. We want to change things and concede fewer goals," he said.
"It is not a problem, but it is, of course, an issue. When you look at the defenders we have, you shouldn't be conceding so many goals.
"That is a point of attention we are working on to improve."
It could be a special occasion at Philips Stadion for Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk, who is in line to win his 100th cap for his country.
Van Dijk, who has scored 18 goals for Netherlands, helped his country reach the semi-finals at UEFA Euro 2024, the quarter-finals at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the final of the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019.
"It could be an emotional day for Virgil," Xavi said. "I am very happy to work with him and he is a true leader."
"He fits in well. One hundred caps is incredible. Whether he plays? We'll see on Sunday [Monday AEDT]."
Denzel聽Justus Morris Dumfries
Netherlands
