In the Netherlands camp, on the eve of Germany’s visit, Virgil van Dijk has explained why his international future was settled almost immediately. The 35-year-old Liverpool defender will remain captain of the Oranje after a brief but decisive meeting with new head coach Xavi Hernández.
Quick facts
- Van Dijk has chosen to continue with the Netherlands national team.
- Xavi Hernández was appointed in August to replace Ronald Koeman.
- The defender has won 96 caps and scored 13 international goals.
- He made his Netherlands debut on 10 October 2015, against Kazakhstan.
- The decision came after the Netherlands’ World Cup exit to Morocco on penalties.
Speaking before Wednesday’s Netherlands-Germany match, Van Dijk said the conversation with Xavi did not need to run long. “It was a very good talk. Ten seconds were enough for me to decide to stay,” he said.
The exchange was not about formations or tactical responsibilities. Van Dijk said it came down to the confidence and respect shown by the new coach, who told him simply: “You are Virgil van Dijk.”
For the centre-back, that recognition removed any doubt. “That was enough for me to decide to carry on with the national team,” he said.
Van Dijk had taken time after the World Cup, where the Dutch were knocked out by Morocco in the round of 16. The match ended 1-1 before Morocco prevailed 3-2 in the shootout.
He said he first needed a deserved break with his family, followed by an important discussion with the man now in charge of the Netherlands. Xavi’s August appointment, succeeding Koeman, has therefore kept one of the country’s most experienced figures at the centre of the squad.
Van Dijk’s international journey began in a 2-1 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Kazakhstan in October 2015. Nearly 11 years later, the captain remains available for the Oranje’s next chapter.
