Virgil van Dijk provides an update on his international future as the 35-year-old Liverpool and Netherlands captain details talks with Xavi
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk.(Image: Alex Pantling - FIFA via Getty Images)
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is planning talks with new Netherlands coach Xavi to determine his international future.
The Reds skipper wore the armband for Oranje across the entirety of their World Cup campaign and is currently poised to meet up the squad in September when Xabi begins his new with a visit from Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
The Netherlands meet Jurgen Klopp's side on September 24 in Amsterdam before travelling to Belgrade to face Serbia three days later.
However, having turned 35 in July, the prospect of Van Dijk stepping away from the national scene to prolong his Anfield career has been floated.
And the centre-back says a meeting with Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi will provide a clearer picture of his future.
"It's a good question," Van Dijk said. "I will have that meeting with the new manager first. Let's see.
"It's also a little bit down to that conversation. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, loved and important. I feel like I'm still very much valuable and important for the team.
"If the manager sees it that way then we're going to have another good two years. If not then we will see. I will have the meeting with him and then we'll go from there."
No player featured more than Van Dijk across Europe's top five leagues last season. He clocked up 5,841 minutes prior to the World Cup, where he featured for every minute of the Netherlands' run to the last-32 stage.
As a result of that marathon year, he requested extra time off from Liverpool before beginning pre-season last month, opting to stay off the club's tour of the United States to stave off the effects of jet lag.
Asked if he feels the need to give up international football to extend his club career after 10 seasons at Liverpool, Van Dijk added: "Not at all.
"Some players do but not me. With anything you do, you want to feel respected, loved and appreciated for your work and the quality that you bring.
"Let's see if that's still the case and then we'll go from there."
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo