Following talks with the Netherlands' head coach, Xavi Hernández, Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk has made a major decision on his national team future ahead of the upcoming international break.
Virgil van Dijk Held Talks With Xavi Hernández
At the end of August, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk reportedly held talks with the new Netherlands head coach, Xavi Hernández, about his possible retirement from international football at the age of 35.
Van Dijk's international career has been one full of ups and downs. Whilst the Dutch have been ever-present at the European Championships and World Cup during Van Dijk's career, they have never really been in the running to win. The closest Van Dijk came to lifting an international trophy was the 2019 Nations League final, when Portugal defeated the Netherlands 1-0 to take home the inaugural Nations League trophy.
Today, the future of Virgil van Dijk's involvement with the Dutch national team has been confirmed.
IMAGN IMAGES/Maria LysakerVan Dijk Makes Major Decision on International Future
This morning, the Netherlands national team officially announced Xavi Hernández's first-ever squad ahead of the upcoming international break. And Virgil van Dijk is included.
Therefore, it is safe to say that a decision on his international future has been made; the Liverpool captain is not retiring from the national team.
Jack Lusby (writer at FourFourTwo and FotMob) has confirmed that Van Dijk's decision to extend his international career followed the aforementioned talks with Xavi Hernández. Lusby also confirmed that Van Dijk had genuinely considered retiring after the World Cup.
Three Other Reds Make the Squad
Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Jeremie Frimpong were also called up by Xavi Hernández.
For Frimpong, this is a positive change in fortune after having been left out of the Netherlands' World Cup squad by previous manager Ronald Koeman.
The Dutch Reds will likely be heavily involved as the Netherlands take on Germany, Serbia, Greece, and Serbia again, across four games in three weeks.
Frimpong isn't the only Liverpool player to receive a welcome, if somewhat surprising, call-up. Rio Ngumoha has also been selected for England.
Author's Verdict: Disappointment for Liverpool?
Selfishly, Liverpool fans would have likely been pleased to see Virgil van Dijk retire from international football.
At the age of 35, and now playing under Andoni Iraola's higher-intensity style in club football, not having to worry about national team commitments would have given Van Dijk plenty of time to rest and recuperate during international breaks. This is something that could have potentially extended his Liverpool career.
However, it is understandable that a player of Van Dijk's stature and importance would want to continue with the national team as long as possible. You can easily envisage him leading out Ons Oranje at the 2028 European Championships. Under the exciting management of Xavi Hernández, perhaps Van Dijk feels this will not only be his final chance, but the best chance that he will ever have of lifting an international trophy.
Let us know what you think about Van Dijk's decision in the comments below, and click here to see more of the latest Liverpool FC news.
