PSV Eindhoven coach Ruud van Nistelrooy praised Xavi Simons for his performance in their Europa League win against Arsenal.
The young midfielder impressed for the 2-0 win.
On Simons' World Cup chances, Van Nistelrooy said: "You have to show the national coach that you can handle adversity and contribute to the Oranje game.
"I think Simons showed it today. He is on the right track. We will see what will happen if he manages to hold on."
Simons also said: "I'm happy, I enjoyed it.
“At Barça, we don't work in the gym, we only work with the ball. When I went to PSG, I discovered there that they also worked in the gym, so I had to find something in me to defend myself during a game. The French championship was very physical and I saw the differences directly."
