The Netherlands lost on penalties to Spain on Sunday night
Van Dijk during the Netherlands defeat. (Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
A big moment and a big trophy is coming for Virgil van Dijk. The last few weeks have been a slog for the Liverpool star, though.
The Reds captain endured heartbreak in the Champions League when his side were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the competition. Then Van Dijk was denied the chance to lift silverware at Wembley when Liverpool lost to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
And this week? The Netherlands were beaten in a penalty shoot-out against Spain after the two teams drew 3-3 on Sunday night and were locked at 5-5 on aggregate across two legs.
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With Liverpool 12 points clear atop the Premier League table, barring a staggering collapse Van Dijk's season will end with some silverware. But speaking after the game on Sunday night, he made it clear he's not a fan of getting beat.
"Losing just hurts," he told Dutch television. "It was a great football fight, but we are out. That's disappointing. We could've made it, but unfortunately, Spain progressed.
"We showed a good version of ourselves in Rotterdam. We tried to pull that through, and we did that at times."
Van Dijk took and scored the first penalty in the shoot-out. He was asked if he would've preferred to take one later on given the way things turned. "No doubt I would take the first one again now," the centre-back defiantly stated.
The defender's contract situation remains a concern for Liverpool, as Van Dijk is yet to sign an extension. It means he will be a free agent in the summer as things stand.
The Dutchman has enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Reds under his compatriot Arne Slot and has been at the heart of their Premier League dominance.