De Boer writes off 53-cap international for the Netherlands national team

Ronald de Boer has made his view on Wout Weghorst clear on Radio 538. The former international believes head coach Xavi should stop calling up the striker.

Under Ronald Koeman, Weghorst was usually part of the Netherlands squad. His successor Xavi appears to have no faith in the FC Twente striker.

The Spanish coach generally prefers Donyell Malen and Brian Brobbey, although the latter has withdrawn through injury. Mexx Meerdink and Joshua Zirkzee are also options.

Asked on Radio 538 whether Weghorst could be an ideal impact substitute late in matches, De Boer has his doubts. "I wouldn't invest in him any more," he says firmly.

For De Boer, Xavi's priority should be the Netherlands' long-term future. "I mean, I'm very fond of Wout. Everything he does is fantastic. But the Nations League is enjoyable, not hugely important," he says.

"What you really need to ask is: what will I have in two years' time? Qualification (for EURO 2028, ed.) is about to begin, and that's what I consider most important. Normally, you'd throw Virgil van Dijk up front for the last ten minutes if things really aren't working. He can head the ball better than Wout."

"And Denzel Dumfries can play there too, of course," De Boer adds, putting forward another option. "So, in my view, there are several options as an impact substitute. I wouldn't choose Wout at the moment."

Weghorst (34) has 53 caps for the Netherlands and has scored fourteen goals. He last played at the World Cup, when Morocco knocked the Netherlands out in the round of 32. The veteran scored in the penalty shootout, but it was not enough.

Since Koeman's departure, Weghorst has fallen out of the Netherlands picture. For now, Xavi sees no need to call up the former Manchester United and VfL Wolfsburg striker.