When Germany welcomes the Netherlands to the Olympiastadion Berlin on Monday, the final round of the UEFA Nations League League A Group 2 stage delivers a classic European rivalry with quarter-final qualification on the line.
Following their dramatic 1-1 draw in Amsterdam back in September, where Cody Gakpo’s 90th-minute equalizer canceled out Felix Nmecha’s opener, both heavyweights enter the finale leaning on young talent.
With the Netherlands needing only to avoid defeat to clinch first place and Germany chasing a victory to stay in the top-two hunt, Striver.Football profiles the six young players who hold the keys to deciding the night.
Germany
1. Brajan Gruda
Position: Right Winger
Age: 22
The RB Leipzig right winger enters international duty in scintillating creative form. Leading Leipzig in expected assists per 90 minutes (0.45) alongside four assists in 448 minutes played and a 7.66 average FotMob rating, Gruda excels at cutting inside onto his preferred left foot.
His sharp close control and vision in the final third will constantly test the Netherlands' left defensive channel.
2. Florian Wirtz
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 23
Operating as the creative heartbeat of Germany's attack, the Liverpool playmaker dictates tempo between the lines.
Wirtz has created 21 chances alongside one goal and three assists across 10 Premier League appearances while adding one goal, one assist, and a 90% pass completion rate in UEFA Champions League play.
His ability to receive on the half-turn under heavy pressure will be vital to unlocking the Dutch backline.
3. Aleksandar Pavlovic
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Age: 22
Anchoring Bayern Munich's midfield pivot, Pavlovic combines relentless defensive work rate with calm distribution from deep.
He has won 63 tackles, covered 94.4 kilometers, and chipped in two goals and one assist across eight Bundesliga outings this autumn. His central battles against the Netherlands' midfield runners will determine who controls territory in Berlin.
Netherlands
4. Gjivai Zechiel
Position: Central Midfielder
Age: 22
The Feyenoord midfielder enters the international break in explosive two-way form. Zechiel has tallied five goals, four assists, and 22 chances created across 12 Eredivisie starts while adding a goal and maintaining a 91% passing accuracy in the Champions League.
His late box arrivals and progressive passing will demand constant tracking from Pavlovic.
5. Mexx Meerdink
Position: Striker
Age: 23
The AZ Alkmaar striker provides the Netherlands with a clinical, physical focal point up front. Having logged 56 energetic minutes off the bench in September's reverse fixture, Meerdink arrives in Berlin after finding the net 10 times across the Eredivisie (six goals and three assists in 12 appearances), UEFA Europa League (three goals), and Johan Cruyff Shield this season while drawing 20 fouls in league play.
His hold-up play and penalty-box movement will severely test Germany's centre-backs.
6. Ruben van Bommel
Position: Left Winger
Age: 22
Operating off the left wing for PSV Eindhoven, van Bommel brings direct vertical pace and lethal final-third end product.
After supplying the late stoppage-time assist for Gakpo in Amsterdam, he has recorded four goals, four assists, 18 chances created, and 11 completed dribbles across 11 Eredivisie appearances this campaign.
Expect him to isolate Germany's right-back one-on-one and drive transitions at speed.
Key lessons for youngsters
Aleksandar Pavlovic’s 63 tackles won in the Bundesliga and Gjivai Zechiel’s nine Eredivisie goal involvements show young central midfielders that pairing relentless defensive coverage with progressive forward runs makes you indispensable on the international stage.
Florian Wirtz creating 21 Premier League chances while maintaining 90% Champions League passing accuracy proves that scanning before receiving allows playmakers to thrive even in crowded central pockets.
Ruben van Bommel’s decisive late assist in September’s reverse fixture against Germany demonstrates how maximizing limited substitute minutes with direct vertical energy forces managers to hand you bigger roles.
