Virgil van Dijk Commits to Netherlands After Talks With New Coach Xavi
Virgil van Dijk has decided to continue with the Netherlands after considering international retirement in the aftermath of the country’s World Cup elimination by Morocco in the last 32. The 96-cap defender had been left uncertain following Ronald Koeman’s departure in June, but a meeting with new head coach Xavi persuaded him to remain part of the Oranje set-up.
The Liverpool captain wanted assurances about the direction of the side before committing to another cycle. He said the decision carried considerable weight, but that Xavi had immediately given him the confidence, mutual respect and enjoyment he required. With those conditions in place, Van Dijk felt there was little need for a prolonged discussion.
Van Dijk is now preparing to report for four important international fixtures and has challenged the squad to make the next two years a successful period. The first assignment of Xavi’s tenure arrives on Thursday, when the Netherlands begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Germany.
The match will also put Van Dijk up against Jürgen Klopp, his former Liverpool manager and Germany’s current head coach. For the Dutch, it represents an early opportunity to move beyond their World Cup disappointment and establish momentum under Xavi.
Defensive momentum at Liverpool
Van Dijk heads into the international break after another solid defensive display for Liverpool, who beat Bournemouth 1-0 in the Premier League on Sunday. The result brought a third straight domestic clean sheet, something the club had not managed since Arne Slot’s first three matches of the 2024-25 season.
The centre-back stressed that the defensive record has been built by the whole team rather than the back line alone, praising Liverpool’s forwards and midfielders for their work without the ball. He described clean sheets as an encouraging platform from which the side can develop.
Van Dijk has also been helping 21-year-old summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet settle into the defence. While describing the young player as a highly promising prospect, the Liverpool captain cautioned that Jacquet must continue working, remain composed amid early attention and learn through regular match experience. Van Dijk added that there are still areas for the partnership and the team to improve.
