Several Liverpool stars have been called up for the Netherlands squad over the upcoming international break, with Virgil van Dijk making a huge decision on his future
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Fulham
Virgil van Dijk has continued his journey with the Dutch national team(Image: (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has decided to continue his international career with the Netherlands, as he was one of four players from the Reds to be named in the team for the three-week break.
It follows discussions over the defender's future with the Dutch national team, following the side's exit from the World Cup in the summer at the hands of Morocco. That knockout-round exit brought about a change in head coach, with former Barcelona player and manager Xavi Hernandez announced as the new manager of the national team.
Attention has turned toward the next cycle, with the 2028 European Championship on the horizon, and the new coach thinking about the players he could take with him into that tournament moving forward.
Talks were planned between Xavi and Van Dijk over his future and the desire to continue representing his nation, as the 35-year-old nears some important decisions regarding his place at the top level.
For now, though, it seems as though the center-back has no desire to leave the international stage any time soon.
The Netherlands squad for the coming international break has been confirmed, and it includes the Liverpool captain in it, showing his commitment to the coming round of fixtures, and perhaps beyond.
He is also joined by Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo, his Merseyside teammates, who have been a regular part of the national team in recent years.
There has also been a surprise recall for Jeremie Frimpong, despite the Liverpool defender struggling to make much of an impact this season, with competition from Ronald Araujo recently leaving him out of the side.
Andoni Iraola and Jeremie Frimpong before a Liverpool training session
Andoni Iraola and Jeremie Frimpong before a Liverpool training session(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
There are some tough matches coming up for the quartet, starting off with a UEFA Nations League meeting with Germany, which sets up plenty of potential storylines.
A reunion with Jurgen Klopp is on the cards for Van Dijk, Gravenberch, and Gakpo, with the head coach making his return to management on the international stage with his nation.
Beyond that titanic encounter, the Oranje will then turn its focus toward a double-header with Serbia, either side of an encounter with Greece.
It remains to be seen how Xavi and his new Netherlands side will perform, but the manager will be hopeful that the Nations League campaign can get off to the best start possible in his switch to international management.
With a strong Liverpool representation, the Reds will be fondly looking on to see how their key stars are getting on over the next few weeks.