Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is set for critical discussion regarding his international future following the appointment of Xavi Hernández as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team.
The Barcelona icon has officially taken the reins on a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, succeeding Ronald Koeman following a disappointing World Cup campaign that ended in a Round of 32 penalty-shootout exit.
After technical director Nigel de Jong explored options including Pep Guardiola and former Liverpool's former head coach Arne Slot who has since opted to remain in club management after being sacked by the Reds in the summer.,
The KNVB finalised a deal with Xavi to bring his "total football" philosophy to the Oranje.
Following another international tournament with his country though - reports from the Dutch media are suggesting that Virgil Van Dijk's time with the national team is coming to an end.
The appointment of Xavi puts the Spaniard in charge of a heavily Liverpool-tinted contingent. Ryan Gravenberch, Jeremie Frimpong, and Cody Gakpo are all expected to be named in Xavi’s inaugural squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures in September and October, starting with a blockbuster debut against Jürgen Klopp's Germany.
Whether Van Dijk features long-term in those plans remains to be seen. While the veteran defender remains standard-bearer for both club and country, his age profile naturally forces the KNVB to consider life beyond their long-serving skipper a reality Xavi acknowledged during his opening press conference.
With Van Dijk turning 35 a couple months ago, the Spaniard may have felt that it was time for a new era at the heart of his defence.
During his unveiling the former Barcelona manager confirmed he wanted his captain to continue playing on the international stage. The doubt comes from the player's side, whether the defender can go again and get himself ready for the 2028 European Championships.
"Yeah, I spoke to him, I will be in touch with him. I want to talk more about what his ambition is, his passion. Let’s see, but I need to talk to him.”
“We will be in touch with the players, especially starting from the captains. I think they are a very important part of our team.
“So yeah, I’m already in touch with them. I already started the conversations.
“We need to monitor many players; we need to follow them, and so this is part of my job right now, and I’m already enjoying this.”
Last season, the 35-year-old played the most football he ever has in his entire career. He is not getting any younger, and the centre back may feel it is time to retire from international football.
Having played in four major international tournaments, captained his country, and also scored 13 goals, the Liverpool No.4 may finally be ending his national team career.
If he is available for selection in the upcoming international break, then Van Dijk's first game back for the Netherlands will be against Germany in the Nations League group stages.
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