Xavi Hernández Brings Tiki-Taka to the Netherlands and Keeps Unbeaten Run Alive

The Netherlands completed 30 passes before scoring against Serbia with Xavi's signature style

Xavi Hernández arrived in the Netherlands with a clear idea: to restore the team's dominance with the ball. In just four matches in charge of the national team, the Spanish coach has already provided a glimpse of his philosophy, with a 30-pass sequence against Serbia that ended with Joshua Zirkzee's goal and allowed the Oranje to finish their first UEFA Nations League international break unbeaten.

XAVI'S "TIKI-TAKA" IS BACK IN THE NETHERLANDS

The move against Serbia was the clearest example of the football Xavi wants to build in the Netherlands. For approximately one minute and 15 seconds, the Oranje completed 30 consecutive passes without allowing their opponents to regain possession. The sequence ended with Denzel Dumfries, who switched play toward Tijjani Reijnders. The midfielder reached the byline and delivered the ball into the heart of the box, where Joshua Zirkzee finished to make it 2-1 in the 72nd minute.

It was not a move built around speed, but rather patience, movement and a constant search for space. It was a mechanism reminiscent of the style Xavi learned and developed during his time at Barcelona, first as a player and later as a manager.

FOUR MATCHES AND NO DEFEATS

Xavi's start as Netherlands manager could hardly have been more stable in terms of results. The Netherlands have recorded two wins and two draws in their first four Nations League matches. The campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Germany, followed by a 2-1 victory over Serbia in Belgrade, a 2-2 draw against Greece and another 2-1 win over Serbia.

With eight points, the Oranje finished this period at the top of Group A2 and remain in a strong position to reach the quarterfinals. Xavi has also managed to maintain the team's consistency despite several important absences as he continues to establish a recognizable identity.

XAVI WANTS A DOMINANT ORANJE

The Spanish coach knows there are still areas to improve. The Netherlands have conceded in 12 consecutive matches, a statistic Xavi will want to address as he looks to turn possession-based dominance into greater defensive security.

However, the footballing message is becoming increasingly clear: the Netherlands want to control possession, move their opponents around and attack when space opens up. The 30-pass sequence against Serbia was only one example, but it was also a clear statement of intent.

The challenge now is to turn those flashes of tiki-taka into a consistent identity. For now, Xavi already has something to build on: his Netherlands side remain unbeaten after their first four matches and have once again put the power of possession at the center of the football conversation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM XAVI'S TIKI-TAKA WITH THE NETHERLANDS

• 30 passes and a goal: The Netherlands completed 30 passes before scoring their 2-1 winner against Serbia.
• Unbeaten start: Xavi has recorded two wins and two draws in his first four matches.
• Barcelona influence: The coach is relying on possession, movement and patience to build a dominant Oranje side.

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