Xavi Hernandez hauled in Virgil van Dijk for a discussion over his future with the Netherlands national team, but the Liverpool captain made up his mind within 10 seconds
Virgil van Dijk revealed the details of his productive conversation with Xavi
Virgil van Dijk revealed the details of his productive conversation with Xavi(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has revealed that Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez needed just 10 seconds to convince him to continue playing for the national team, after simply reminding him of who he is.
Van Dijk has made a strong start to the season alongside new defensive partner Jeremy Jacquet, with three straight Premier League clean sheets. The 35-year-old competed at the FIFA World Cup this summer, but has picked up where he left off domestically despite the busy schedule.
It was rumored that Van Dijk could retire from international duty after the World Cup, with change inevitable within the national team. Van Dijk has since committed to the Netherlands and has been named to the roster for the upcoming matches against Germany, Serbia (twice), and Greece.
Van Dijk discussed his decision to continue representing his nation after Liverpool's 1-0 win away to Bournemouth before the international break. "Obviously, it was a massive decision," Van Dijk told reporters.
"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 and Xavi speak to reporters ahead of the first post-World Cup international break
Van Dijk and Xavi speak to reporters ahead of the first post-World Cup international break(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.)
Before the decision was made, the new Netherlands head coach Xavi said that he needed to chat to Van Dijk in more detail. "I spoke to him [Van Dijk]," Xavi said. "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."
Van Dijk then had that discussion with Xavi and, in a new interview with De Telegraaf, explained what had occurred. "I needed a well-deserved holiday with my family and then an important meeting with the national coach," Van Dijk told the outlet.
"After 10 seconds, I already knew I could go through. That was just a very good meeting."
Van Dijk is set to reach 100 Netherlands appearances after continuing his career
Van Dijk is set to reach 100 Netherlands appearances after continuing his career(Image: EYE4images/NurPhoto)
When asked what Xavi said to make his mind up so quickly, Van Dijk explained, "That I am Virgil van Dijk. It is about trust, appreciation, and being important to the team. Physically, there is no doubt, but I also want to keep enjoying myself and feel the appreciation, and that is certainly there."
Van Dijk's decision to continue also means he is set to reach 100 appearances for the national team, as he currently sits on 96. "Of course, I am aware that not many players reach more than 100 caps," Van Dijk said.
"That makes me happy just thinking about it. But ultimately, that was not the deciding factor. I made the decision by taking a rest, spending time with my family, discussing it with those close to me, and finally having a conversation with the national coach."
Van Dijk may be coached by a new face in Xavi, but he will reunite with former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp when the Netherlands host Germany on Thursday. Liverpool star Florian Wirtz will feature for the Germans, with Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch also selected by Xavi for the Netherlands.