The Netherlands and Germany ushered in a new era under managers Xavi and Jurgen Klopp with a pulsating 1-1 draw in their opening fixture of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League season in Amsterdam.
Borussia Dortmund star Felix Nmecha was on target for Die Mannschaft while Nico Schlotterbeck also made a telling impact in defense for them, but their night was ruined by a stoppage-time equalizer from Cody Gakpo.
On the Dutch side, we also saw another BVB player in action, as Joey Veerman was subbed into the game after the break for his first international appearance since July 2024 and had a stormer in midfield.
Let's have a deeper look at how each of these players performed:
Nmecha nearly won it for Germany
Felix Nmecha has had a good time in front of goal this month, bagging a late brace in Borussia Dortmund's 3-0 win over Paderborn on 12 September and now getting on target for Germany in their first match of the Nations League season. It was also the first goal of Klopp-era.
Joshua Kimmich's cross to the right was played back into the box where Karim Adeyemi, realizing he can't make a good contact with it, attempts a backheel pass where Nmecha was on hand to turn it home with a powerful strike for his third international goal.
However, besides that moment, Nmecha had a largely bog-standard match. The Netherlands were dominant in possession and circulated the ball with poise and purpose as the BVB anchorman struggled to break their rhythm and assert himself on the game.
Nmecha was hooked off in the 63rd minute, but considering that his goal earned his side a point (after nearly winning them the match altogether), the 25-year-old gets extra credits for that, regardless. But Klopp would certainly be demanding more from him.
Schlotterbeck, the mortar to Germany's brick
Although Marc-Andre ter Stegen hogged much of the spotlight in Germany's defense with a series of talismanic saves, there was another layer of protective cover that the visitors would be thanking themselves to have, which is Nico Schlotterbeck.
The BVB centre-back was a forced to be reckoned with, guarding the box with authority and exemplary positional awareness. He stood up firm against Brian Brobbey's high press during the initial exchanges and then produced a crucial tackle on Crysencio Summerville in the second half as Schlotterbeck finished with eight clearances and three blocked shots. He also headed a free-kick away in the 58th minute as the Netherlands stood no chance against him even aerially.
But offensively too, Schlotterbeck made his presence felt. Having struck a league-high of five goals last season, the BVB fans are aware of his offensive qualities. But Germany also witnessed flashes of that last night, with the 26-year-old setting up substitute Younes Ebnoutalib in the 31st minute and then getting a shot away shortly after.
Veerman shines on return
However, the major talking point of the night was Joey Veerman and his significant impact upon Netherlands return. He was not only their chief set-piece taker on the night, but also created the most chances with four as well as laying nine crosses.
It's no coincidence that Xavi's team looked more fluid going forward and created a host of chances only after Veerman's introduction, as the midfielder always sought to pick out his teammates with silky passes and inviting crosses from corners. He also finished with 10 progressive passes on the night in just 33 minutes of action. For context, Ryan Gravenberch managed only two in 90 minutes whereas Quentin Timber registered just one in 57.
Xavi was in awe of Veerman, reserving special praise for the player after the match by saying:
"He played very well. I like players who understand the game and don’t lose the ball easily."
Perhaps, start him in your next game against Serbia, Xavi?
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