Virgil van Dijk could be handed a different role for the Netherlands as Xavi Hernandez weighs up his options following a fresh injury setback
Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk during the UEFA Nations League match against Serbia
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk has started both of the Netherlands' Nations League matches so far(Image: Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Netherlands boss Xavi Hernandez is pondering a switch-up in his defense, including moving Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, due to recent injuries in his squad.
Four of the Reds' Dutch stars were called up this international break, with Ryan Gravenberch, Jeremie Frimpong and Cody Gakpo joining Van Dijk. However, Gakpo was forced to return to Merseyside this week due to injury.
The Netherlands drew its first game 1-1 against Germany, in which Gakpo scored a last-gasp equalizer. It also narrowly beat Serbia 2-1 over the weekend, with attention now on Thursday night's meeting with Greece.
However, Xavi now faces something of a selection dilemma due to the injuries, as central defender Jan Paul van Hecke was the latest casualty to withdraw. The Tottenham star suffered a foot injury in the meeting with Serbia, and while he attempted to train during the week, he has since returned to London.
Van Dijk has traditionally played on the left side of defense, but the Netherlands boss has hinted at potentially moving his captain to the right side if necessary. Arsenal 's Jurrien Timber can also play in the position but only featured as a substitute last time out due to a minor injury.
"We have 23 players, so plenty of reserves," the Netherlands boss explained in his press conference. "Van Dijk can play on the right side perfectly, and if the team needs him there, he will be there for the team."
The Netherlands is currently second in its group behind Thursday night's opponent, Greece. Van Dijk will come face to face with Liverpool teammate Kostas Tsimikas, who played the entirety of both of his country's wins against Serbia and Germany.
Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands is seen during a UEFA Nations League match
Virgil van Dijk has played every minute for the Netherlands during the international break so far(Image: Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
It's a must-win clash for the Netherlands, which could see third-place Germany draw level with it on points in the event it loses to Greece and Jurgen Klopp 's side beats Serbia. Then, Xavi's side will conclude the international break at the weekend with another meeting against Serbia, this time at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven.
Andoni Iraola will hope his captain comes through the next two games unscathed, especially after losing Gakpo and Sweden striker Alexander Isak to injury already this international break. Van Dijk has played every minute in the Premier League for the Reds so far this term.
While he sat out entirely in the third-round Carabao Cup win over Tottenham last month, he played the entirety of the win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League a week prior.
Only Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremy Jacquet have played more minutes across all competitions so far this season than Van Dijk. Liverpool returns after the break with a mouthwatering Premier League clash against Manchester City at Anfield.