Virgil van Dijk commits to Netherlands future after 'massive' Xavi talks
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has confirmed he will continue his international career with the Netherlands following productive discussions with new manager Xavi.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 at / Author: Ailura
Virgil van Dijk has confirmed that he will continue playing for the Netherlands national team. The defender had been contemplating his international future following a disappointing World Cup exit, but the appointment of Xavi Hernandez as head coach prompted a change of heart.
Van Dijk explained that he needed clarity before committing to the next cycle. A productive conversation with the former Barcelona boss provided the reassurance and respect he was seeking, making his decision straightforward.
Obviously it was a massive decision. I had to feel the confidence and the combination of respect and joy and everything I wanted. That was from the first second the case, so the conversation didn't need to be that long. Virgil van Dijk
The Liverpool captain is now looking ahead to the Nations League campaign, which begins with a high-profile fixture against Germany, now led by former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.
At club level, Van Dijk has been instrumental in Liverpool's recent defensive form, which includes three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier League. He also praised the development of young summer signing Jeremy Jacquet, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded while gaining experience through match time.