THE FUSE

Ronald de Boer has made his view on Wout Weghorst clear on Radio 538: the former international believes 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The Spanish coach generally opts for Donyell Malen and Brian Brobbey, although the latter has withdrawn through injury.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 in the closing stages of matches, De Boer has his doubts. "I wouldn't invest in him any more," he says firmly.

"I mean, I'm very fond of Wout. Everything he does is fantastic. But the Nations League is enjoyable, not hugely important," says De Boer, who believes Xavi should focus above all on the long term with the Netherlands.

De Boer looks ahead to EURO 2028: "The main thing you have to ask is: what will I have in two years' time? Qualification (for EURO 2028, ed.) is about to begin, and I think that's the most important thing. Normally, you'd send Virgil van Dijk up front for those last ten minutes if things really weren't working. He's better at heading the ball 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 made 53 appearances for the Netherlands and scored 14 goals. The veteran last played at the World Cup, when Morocco eliminated the Netherlands in the round of 32. Weghorst scored in the penalty shootout, but it was to no avail.

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