Meerdink Opens Up on Emotional Netherlands Debut

AZ striker Mexx Meerdink made an emotional senior debut for the Netherlands on Thursday night, coming on after just 35 minutes for the injured Brian Brobbey in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Germany at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Speaking to ESPN NL after the match, the 23 year old opened up about the moment he was called into action, admitting he wasn't expecting to get the nod so early. It marked a redemptive moment for Meerdink, who had to withdraw from an earlier national team call up a year ago due to injury.

"I could see that Brian was limping," Meerdink said. "I thought to myself: 'Is it going to happen already?' I thought the coach might choose someone else. But they called my name and then I had to start warming up and it went very fast. Xavi radiates a lot of passion, and that is felt by the players."

Looking back on his 55 minutes on the pitch, Meerdink admitted some frustration over a disallowed goal and a missed chance in the second half where his foot slipped over the ball, but felt his overall performance was one of his best of the season.

"I have no idea why it was disallowed," he said. "I had another chance after that, but then my foot went on the ball instead of against it. That is a shame. But overall I think I played one of my best games of the season on the ball. There are many positive things."

He also credited the team's intense pressing in the second half to the tactical demands set by new head coach Xavi.

With his debut, Meerdink now matches his father Martijn, who earned a single cap for the Netherlands against Ecuador back in 2006. The younger Meerdink made clear he wants to build on that quickly, saying he's determined to establish himself in Xavi's squad and go on to overtake his father's tally as soon as he can.

The Netherlands will now turn their attention to their next Nations League fixture, with Meerdink hoping to add to his cap count.