BVB playmaker gets Netherlands call-up; Enzo Duarte considered by Luxembourg
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Joey Veerman has been called up to the Netherlands national team by new coach Xavi, bringing him out of international hiatus.
Since Euro 2024, Veerman hadn't received a single call-up from previous manager Ronald Koeman, leading to a retirement which also forced him to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup too.
But having seamlessly adapted to life with the BVB following his transfer from PSV Eindhoven last month, Xavi has recalled him back into the squad.
The 27-year-old last played for the Oranje in the semi-finals of the European championship against England, over two years ago.
A deep-lying midfielder by trade, Veerman has made a statement with Dortmund for his imperious passing range and ability to pick out teammates from tight spaces.
He's also registered one assist this season, teeing up Fabio Silva in their 5-0 drubbing of HEBC in the first round of the DFB-Pokal clash earlier this month.
As Veerman now finds his way back into the Netherlands side, it's an opportunity for him to revive his international career and seal his place in the XI for Euro 2028.
Xavi's 26-man squad has been a good mixture of youth and experience as the former Barcelona ace shoulders the massive responsibility of restoring the fallen giants to their former glory.
The Netherlands are scheduled to play Germany (H), Serbia (A), Greece (A) and Serbia (H) again, in the UEFA Nations League during the extended international break from 24 September to 4 October.
Enzo Duarte called up by Luxembourg
In more international news, Enzo Duarte has been called up to Luxembourg's national team for their Nations League fixtures against Iceland, Estonia and a double-header with Bulgaria.
The 17-year-old is currently with Dortmund's youth side but showed great promise during their preseason campaign, even bagging an assist in their first clash against RW Oberhausen.
Dortmund rewarded him with his first long-term professional contract on 19 August although he's yet to make his official senior debut with the Prussians.
His remarkable rise with BVB's youth ranks saw him break into Luxembourg's national team last year and has since bagged five caps in total.
In June 2026, he got his first real opportunity with the Red Lions when Duarte played for 45 minutes of their international friendly against Albania. Until then, the midfielder had only come on for the last few seconds of a match for them.
Duarte will now be gunning for more playing time in the upcoming international window, which could also subsequently lead to a breakout with Dortmund's first-team.
