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CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 21: Kenneth Taylor of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and SS Lazio at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 21, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Kenneth Taylor has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Xavi Simons in the Netherlands squad for the upcoming World Cup.
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Simons, currently at Tottenham Hotspur, is expected to miss the tournament after suffering a serious knee injury, forcing Dutch coach Ronald Koeman to consider alternatives.
Taylor, who joined Lazio in January, is reportedly among the most credible options, as per TuttoMercatoWeb.
The midfielder has adapted well to Serie A and offers versatility between midfield and attacking roles, making him a strong fit to fill the gap left by Simons.
Taylor faces competition from Til, Lang & Summerville for Netherlands spot
Several players are already assured of their place in the squad, including Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo, leaving limited spots available for those on the fringes.
Taylor faces competition from a number of other attacking and midfield options. Names under consideration include Justin Kluivert, Crysencio Summerville, Guus Til, Noa Lang and Georginio Wijnaldum.
A call-up for Taylor would mark a return to the national team after more than a year, with his last appearance coming in March 2025 in a Nations League fixture against Spain.
With Simons’ absence leaving a significant gap, Taylor’s performances in Italy could prove decisive in securing him a place on the plane.
