Virgil van Dijk has opted to continue representing the Netherlands at international level following talks with new head coach Xavi, who took over from Ronald Koeman
Virgil van Dijk gives a Netherlands team talk during the World Cup.
Virgil van Dijk gives a Netherlands team talk during the World Cup.(Image: Alex Pantling - FIFA via Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has explained why he has chosen to carry on playing for the Netherlands following talks with Xavi, the new Dutch national team head coach.
Van Dijk has been named in the Netherlands squad for its upcoming matches with Germany, Serbia (twice) and Greece. There was some speculation that he could retire from international duty after the World Cup, but he wanted to continue.
"Obviously it was a massive decision," Van Dijk told reporters at the Vitality Stadium after Liverpool's 1-0 win over Bournemouth. "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.
"But 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."
Van Dijk is expected to start for the Netherlands and continue to be an important player. The central defender has started every game for Liverpool so far this term aside from the Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham, where he was handed a rest.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks on during the warm up before the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk and Bradley Barcola warm up ahead of Liverpool's game against Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
"I spoke to him [Van Dijk]," Xavi had said during his unveiling.
"I will be in touch with him. I want to talk more about what his ambition is, his passion. And let's see. But I need to talk to him."
The Barcelona legend was then present at Anfield earlier this season for the Reds' 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, after which the talks with Van Dijk took place.
The 35-year-old has 96 caps to his name to date, and has led the team to a UEFA Nations League final, a European Championships semi-final, and a World Cup quarter-final.
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Liverpool.com says: The idea that Van Dijk is anything close to winding down at the top level was never close to being true. It is no shock that he has decided to continue playing for his country.
All he wanted to hear from Xavi was that he could be an important part of the plan moving forward, which was always going to be the case.
There is an argument that Van Dijk not playing international soccer could have benefitted Liverpool, but in reality, a top player, who is still playing at a high level, was only ever going to make one decision.