Joshua Zirkzee scored the decisive goal as the Netherlands defeated Serbia to move top of their Nations League group.

The Manchester United forward came on at half-time and restored the Netherlands’ lead in Eindhoven, tapping in from Tijjani Reijnders’ low cross.

Teun Koopmeiners had put the hosts ahead shortly after the half-hour mark, curling a free-kick through a crowded penalty area and into the far bottom corner.

Serbia responded just four minutes later when Mihajlo Cvetkovic rose above Koopmeiners to head past Bart Verbruggen and score his first international goal.

However, Zirkzee had the final say, securing another victory for the Dutch side.

The match was also a landmark occasion for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, who earned his 100th international cap at the age of 35.

The Netherlands largely kept Serbia at bay despite the visitors making a strong start, leaving them still without a win at the bottom of Group A2.

Joey Veerman and Reijnders came close to extending the hosts’ advantage, but the Netherlands held on for a 2-1 victory.

The result was their second consecutive win over Serbia by the same scoreline, following their 2-1 victory in Belgrade seven days earlier, leaving them in a strong position with two matches remaining.

New Netherlands head coach Xavi remains unbeaten after four games in charge, recording two wins and two draws.