Virgil van Dijk to continue Netherlands career after talks with Xavi | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk will continue his Netherlands career after talks with new head coach Xavi, the former Barcelona boss, according to Goal.com.

The 96-cap captain had considered retirement after a dismal World Cup, with a last-32 exit to Morocco in June followed by Ronald Koeman's departure.

Xavi's appointment and a productive conversation provided the clarity he wanted, and Van Dijk will stay available for the next cycle.

"Obviously it was a massive decision," Van Dijk said. He said he needed confidence, respect and joy to commit, and once those were clear, the discussion was short.

Van Dijk added: "It was very good, so I am really looking forward to meeting up for the important four games. Let's make the next two years at least an amazing time."

At club level, he continues to anchor Liverpool's defence. The Reds beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Sunday, sealing a third straight domestic clean sheet, their first such run since Arne Slot's opening three fixtures of the 2024-25 campaign.

"Clean sheets are always a good sign," Van Dijk said, crediting the work of the forwards and midfield as the base.

He also praised his partnership with 21-year-old Jeremy Jacquet, while urging the newcomer to stay grounded and keep improving.

The Netherlands begin their UEFA Nations League campaign on Thursday against Germany, now led by former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Source: Goal.com

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