Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Denzel Dumfries insists the Netherlands are working to improve their defensive performances as they target their first clean sheet of the year.
The Netherlands face Serbia in the Nations League on Sunday, having conceded in each of their 11 matches in 2026.
They most recently conceded twice in a draw with Greece, though they did come from two goals down to salvage a point.
The Netherlands are unbeaten in their three games under Xavi (W1 D2), leaving them second in their Nations League group.
Despite their solid start, Dumfries acknowledged the Oranje still need to improve at the back.
“That is a nice challenge for the team. We want to change things and concede fewer goals,” said Dumfries.
“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.”
See you in Eindhoven! pic.twitter.com/kWdWnGzU1h
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 3, 2026
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 the Netherlands, helped his country reach the semi-finals at Euro 2024, the quarter-finals at the 2022 World Cup and the final of the inaugural 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.”
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