‘This is an evening I am very proud of’: Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk enjoys 100th appearance for the Netherlands | OneFootball

It was a special evening in Amsterdam for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. The former Celtic and Southampton defender celebrated 100 caps for the Dutch national team as the side won 2-1 against Serbia. Van Dijk, who is now 35, was given a chance to celebrate the achievement pre match and ran onto the pitch with his son. The Liverpool defender said to the media after the game ‘Of course it is special. I am proud and grateful. 100 caps is not within everyone’s reach. I never considered that a realistic goal. Not because I didn’t believe in myself, but I am simply someone who doesn’t look too far ahead‘.

After the Netherlands poor 2026 World Cup campaign, there had been some who believed it was time to phase out the Liverpool defender. However, new head coach Xavi doesn’t appear to think that way, having made van Dijk his captain. The defender himself is also keen to continue and add to his 100 caps. Van Dijk said ‘But of course I’m not going to stop now. Not at all when you look at how things are going and what we can still do better. I think I can play a significant part in that‘.

It has been a decent start for Xavi as head coach of the Netherlands, with the side not losing yet. After draws with Germany and Greece they have beaten Serbia twice. Next up will be a clash with Greece in November at home. Van Dijk is certainly looking forward to being involved. At the end of his interview the Liverpool defender said ‘This is an evening I am very proud of. On to more. Won 2-1, goodbye and thanks‘.

His next game will have plenty of media scrutiny, with Liverpool hosting Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson