Virgil van Dijk commits to Netherlands after talks with Xavi | OneFootball

According to Goal.com, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will continue his Netherlands career after talks with new head coach Xavi.

The 96-cap defender had weighed retirement following a disappointing World Cup, as Ronald Koeman departed after a shock last-32 defeat to Morocco in June.

Van Dijk said he needed clarity and confidence before committing again, and a constructive conversation with Xavi provided that. With parameters aligned, he chose to stay available for the next cycle.

He is eager for the next camp, saying he looks forward to four important games and hopes the next two years, at least, will be an amazing period.

Away from Oranje duty, he continues to anchor a resilient Liverpool back line. The Reds beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Sunday for a third straight domestic clean sheet, a run last achieved in Arne Slot's opening three fixtures of the 2024-25 season. He credited the whole team for the platform.

Van Dijk also praised his developing partnership with 21-year-old summer signing Jeremy Jacquet, urging him to stay grounded and keep working. He added that there is room to improve and that experience comes from playing.

The Netherlands open their UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday against Germany, now managed by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”