Joshua Zirkzee has received an unexpected call-up to the Netherlands national team following Brian Brobbey's hamstring injury sustained during the Oranje's 1-1 draw with Germany in their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League opener. The Manchester United striker will replace Sunderland's Brobbey, who was forced to withdraw from the squad after picking up the knock in the first half of Thursday's encounter. The injury to Brobbey, coupled with similar issues affecting Germany's Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala during the same match, highlighted a contentious moment that saw Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk brand Germany's opening goal—scored by Felix Nmecha—a "disgrace" after Germany refused to put the ball out while Brobbey was receiving treatment.
The decision by Netherlands head coach Xavi to turn to Zirkzee represents a notable strategic choice, as the coach passed over established alternatives Memphis Depay and Wout Weghorst in favor of the Old Trafford forward. Zirkzee's selection comes at a curious juncture in his club career, with the 24-year-old yet to start a Premier League match for Manchester United this season. The striker has featured in four appearances under Michael Carrick's management, all coming from the bench, accumulating just 70 minutes of playing time across those outings. His contributions on the pitch have proven minimal, with United winning only one of those four matches in which he appeared. The lack of impact at club level makes his international recall particularly striking, especially considering the fierce competition Zirkzee faces for minutes at Old Trafford following his summer struggles that saw him linked with potential moves to Napoli, Roma, Aston Villa, and Fiorentina.
Zirkzee's path to the Netherlands squad has been complicated by his fall down Manchester United's attacking hierarchy, where he has dropped behind both Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. The 24-year-old has now been given an opportunity to add to his six international caps at a critical moment for both club and country. His last appearance for the Oranje came in November 2024, making this call-up his first chance to represent his nation in almost two years, having made his debut in July 2024.
The Netherlands will look to capitalize on their momentum heading into their UEFA Nations League campaign, with Cody Gakpo's late equalizer earning them a point against Germany on matchday one. Xavi's squad face Serbia in Belgrade on Sunday evening in what represents a significant opportunity to claim their first victory of the competition. With Greece also on the schedule at the start of October and a return fixture against Serbia later in the international break, Zirkzee could find himself with multiple opportunities to make an impression for his country—a potential confidence boost as he seeks to break into Manchester United's first team plans upon his return to club duty.