Virgil van Dijk Confirms Netherlands Future After Positive Talks With Xavi

Virgil van Dijk has confirmed he will keep playing for the Netherlands after a productive conversation with new head coach Xavi, ending speculation that the Liverpool captain might walk away from international football.

The 96 cap defender had been weighing up his future after a disappointing World Cup campaign that saw the Dutch crash out in the last 32 to Morocco back in June, a result that cost Ronald Koeman his job. With Xavi now in charge, Van Dijk says the conversation they had was enough to convince him to stick around for the new cycle.

"Obviously it was a massive decision," Van Dijk said. "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."

He said he is now looking forward to what comes next. "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," he added.

At club level, Van Dijk continues to marshal a solid Liverpool defence. The Reds beat Bournemouth 1-0 on Sunday to record their third straight clean sheet in the Premier League, something they haven't managed since Arne Slot's first three games in charge back in 2024-25.

Van Dijk was keen to spread the credit for that defensive record. "Clean sheets are always a good sign," he said. "The guys up front and the midfielders put in the hard work, and it is a great base to build on."

He also spoke about his growing partnership with 21 year old summer signing Jeremy Jacquet, telling the youngster to stay level headed despite the early praise coming his way. "He is very promising but it is up to him to keep working hard and stay calm. There are still things we can improve but you learn by playing games," Van Dijk said.

The Netherlands don't have long to wait before their first real test under Xavi. They open their Nations League campaign on Thursday against Germany, who are now coached by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. For Van Dijk, it means an early chance to face his old manager on the international stage, and a first opportunity for this Dutch squad to show they've moved past their World Cup heartbreak as the Xavi era gets underway.