Xavi's Netherlands Unbeaten

Xavi Hernandez has made a strong start as Netherlands head coach, with his team finishing their first international break unbeaten. The Netherlands sit top of Group A2 in the UEFA Nations League with 8 points from 4 games.

The team's latest win came against Serbia, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory. The goal came at the end of a 30-pass sequence, showcasing Xavi's signature playing style.

Xavi said his team fought like a family and had to suffer against Serbia, but were able to switch to a different formation and dominate the game. He acknowledged there is still work to be done, particularly on defensive solidity.

The Netherlands have conceded in 12 consecutive matches, a statistic Xavi will want to address as he looks to turn possession-based dominance into greater defensive security. Despite this, the team's consistency has been impressive, with Xavi able to maintain a recognizable identity despite several important absences.

Xavi's start as Netherlands manager could hardly have been more stable in terms of results, with two wins and two draws in his first four Nations League matches. The team will look to continue this form when they play their final two group games in November.

The Spanish coach has been praised for his ability to tweak games as they unfold and for shouldering the blame when things go wrong. He has also been credited with giving young players a chance, with Mex Meerdink standing out as one of the brightest during the international break.

Xavi's playing style, which emphasizes possession football and patience, has been compared to the style he developed during his time at Barcelona. The team's 30-pass sequence against Serbia was a clear example of this philosophy in action.