​Netherlands coach Xavi confirms Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong will captain the national team: ‘Very important for us’Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been appointed captain of the Netherlands national team for their UEFA Nations League fixtures against Greece and Germany after regular skipper Virgil van Dijk withdrew through injury. Head coach Xavi Hernandez confirmed the decision, handing his former Barcelona midfielder an important leadership responsibility ahead of Friday’s meeting with Greece in Amsterdam.Xavi believes the 29-year-old’s understanding of his footballing philosophy makes him particularly suited to the responsibility.Xavi explains why De Jong deserves the Netherlands captaincySpeaking at his pre-match press conference, Xavi made it clear that his previous experience working with De Jong at Barcelona influenced the decision.“Frenkie de Jong will be our captain tomorrow. I know him very well and this is one of the reasons.”The Netherlands coach further stated that he values De Jong’s ability to retain possession under pressure and provide a reliable passing option during the team’s build-up. Xavi confirms Frenkie de Jong will be Netherlands’ captain. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)“Frenkie de Jong is very important for us because our style of play is to have the ball and he doesn’t lose the ball easily.“He also knows my staff. I am happy to have him back in our squad,” he noted, as per Mundo Deportivo.Barcelona midfielder receives recognition from former coachIt is to be noted that De Jong made 107 appearances under Xavi during the latter’s time as the Barcelona manager, giving him considerable familiarity with the tactical principles Xavi wants to implement with the Netherlands.As for De Jong, he had already acknowledged his willingness to accept the responsibility when discussing the possibility earlier in the week.“It would be a great honour if it happened this week,” he said.Rather than attempting to replicate Van Dijk’s more vocal leadership style, the Barcelona midfielder indicated that he prefers leading through his professionalism and behaviour. De Jong will happily embrace the leadership role. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)“I’m not very talkative. Virgil is always heard above others. He is our true leader, also verbally.“When I wear the armband, I can set an example for others with my behaviour and professionalism,” he explained.Greece and Germany fixtures offer immediate leadership testDe Jong will lead the Netherlands against Greece on November 13 before travelling to Germany for their final Nations League group fixture on November 16.Both matches carry considerable importance, with the Netherlands, Greece and Germany competing for qualification from Group A2. The Dutch currently lead with eight points, level with Greece, while Germany have five.