Brentford defender Sepp van den Berg has set his sights on earning his first senior Netherlands call-up under Xavi Hernández after returning from a lengthy injury absence.
The 24-year-old centre-back recently resumed playing following almost five months on the sidelines and hopes regular Premier League appearances can help him break into the Dutch squad.
Van den Berg has also identified European qualification with Brentford as another ambition for the season.
Van den Berg returns after lengthy injury absence
Van den Berg missed Brentford's pre-season preparations and the opening months of the campaign following surgery involving his groin and abdominal muscles.
He made his first appearance of the season against former club Liverpool on 17 October, starting in a 2-1 Premier League defeat.
The defender then completed 90 minutes in Brentford's 1-1 draw with Hull City on Sunday, continuing his return to competitive action.
Having last played in May before his injury lay-off, Van den Berg is now working towards establishing himself in Keith Andrews' starting line-up.
Brentford defender reveals Netherlands ambition
Van den Berg has previously represented the Netherlands at youth level but has yet to make his senior international debut.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, the former Liverpool defender outlined his ambition to earn an international call-up this season.
"I want to make my debut for the Netherlands this season. That is my goal," Van den Berg said, in comments translated from Dutch.
"If I play regularly here, I hope to receive an invitation from the new national team coach."
His ambitions extend beyond international football, with the defender also targeting European qualification with Brentford.
Xavi has established defensive options
Van den Berg faces competition for a place in Xavi's Netherlands squad.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Arsenal's Jurriën Timber, Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke and Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven are among the options available to the former Barcelona manager.
Xavi replaced Ronald Koeman in August, signing a contract with the Dutch football association until the 2030 World Cup.
Van den Berg's return gives him an opportunity to press his case through regular appearances in England, although a senior international call-up remains an ambition rather than an established prospect.
Key Points
- Sepp van den Berg wants to make his senior Netherlands debut this season.
- The Brentford defender has returned after almost five months out following surgery.
- He started against Liverpool and completed 90 minutes against Hull City.
- Xavi Hernández became Netherlands manager in August 2026.
- Van den Berg is also targeting European qualification with Brentford.
What's Next?
Brentford face Sunderland in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday.
Van den Berg will hope to maintain his place in Keith Andrews' plans as he builds match fitness and attempts to strengthen his case for a future Netherlands call-up.
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