I was half-watching the Netherlands vs Serbia game, and then Zirkzee scored that goal. You know the one—the kind of goal that makes you sit up and rewind. Not a screamer, not a header from a corner, but a proper team move. The kind that starts with a goalkeeper and ends with the ball in the net after about fifteen passes. And I thought, this is why people are so excited about Xavi potentially taking over at Barcelona. The man's fingerprints were all over that play.
Xavi's fingerprints were all over that goal
I'm not a tactico. I don't watch football with a notepad and a glass of red wine, pausing every five seconds to analyse positioning. But even I could see it: wing play, quick passing, players moving off the ball, and then someone just walking it into the net. It was like watching a tribute act to that old Spain team that won everything. And honestly, it was lovely.
For years, Netherlands have had this reputation for total football, but recently it's been more like total chaos. Koeman's first spell was pragmatic, and then there was the whole De Boer experiment. But under Xavi? Well, he's not even officially in charge yet, but the signs are there. If he can get the Dutch playing like this consistently, they'll be a problem at the Euros.
Zirkzee is built for this, but is Man Utd?
Zirkzee's goal was the kind that makes you think about his club future. He's a striker who thrives on intricate passing and possession football. He's not a run-the-channels merchant who feeds on scraps. At Bologna, he was the focal point of a team that liked to dominate the ball. At Man Utd, though, he's been feeding on scraps since Mourinho was in charge. Ole tried to make them attacking, Rangnick tried to make them pressing, Ten Hag tried to make them Ajax-lite, but none of them really got the team playing fluid, possession-based football. It's been transitional chaos for years.
So when I see Zirkzee linking up beautifully for the Netherlands, I can't help but think: he's wasted at Old Trafford. Unless they change their entire philosophy, he'll never replicate that kind of form week in, week out. And that's a shame, because he's clearly a talent.
Injuries are piling up, but that's international football
Of course, the Netherlands can't have nice things without a catch. Gakpo, Brobbey, and Malen are all injured. That's three attackers out, which is a massive blow. It means the burden falls even more on Zirkzee and the remaining forwards. But hey, it's international football—injuries happen. It's just frustrating because you want to see the best players on the pitch.
Still, it gives others a chance. Maybe someone like Dallinga or Bergwijn steps up. That's the romantic side of international football—unknowns becoming heroes. But let's be real, you'd rather have your best players available.
Remember when Sweden made the World Cup from last place? Anything can happen
People are already writing off the Netherlands' chances at the Euros because of these injuries. But let me remind you of something: Sweden once made the World Cup after finishing last in their group. Nothing in European football is impossible. If Xavi can get this team playing like they did for that goal, they could go deep. They might not win it, but they'll be fun to watch. And that's more than can be said for some teams.
So, yeah, I'm on the hype train. Not because I think they'll definitely win, but because I love watching a team that actually tries to play football. And if Zirkzee keeps scoring goals like that, I'll be tuning in every chance I get.
So that's my take. Zirkzee's goal was a thing of beauty, and it's a reminder that football can still be beautiful. But it also raises questions about his club future and the Netherlands' chances. What do you think? Are you as hyped as I am?
