As the international break commences, there will be plenty of Liverpool players in action for fans to keep an eye on, mainly hoping they don't get injured. Well, one Red flying off to represent his country is Virgil van Dijk, but that wasn't always guaranteed to be the case.
Back in July, the Netherlands crashed out in the round of 32 at the World Cup, ousted by Morocco on penalties in Monterrey. This early exit saw Ronald Koeman sacked as head coach, with van Dijk revealing that he was not sure if he would continue representing the national team.
However, the 35 year old has noted that a conversation with new Oranje boss Xavi helped convince him to continue:
"Obviously it was a massive decision. 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. But 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."Virgil van Dijk
Having been named in Xavi's first Dutch squad, this will likely be a momentous international break for van Dijk. That is because, he currently has 96 caps to his name meaning, should he feature in all four fixtures, the centre-back would become only the 11th Dutchman to surpass 100. He is currently level with Arjen Robben and former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum on 96, unlikely to match the all-time record of 134 held by Wesley Sneijder.
The Liverpool defender says himself "let's make the next two years at least an amazing time", suggesting he plans to hang up his international boots after the next European Championships, which are of course being hosted in Great Britain and Ireland. Before then, he will be key to Holland's hopes of winning the UEFA Nations League, the Oranje having been beaten finalists in 2019 and defeated semi-finalists on home soil in 2023.
First up for the Dutch on Thursday, they will welcome fierce rivals and neighbours Germany to Amsterdam. This fixture is of added interest to Liverpool fans, given that it is also Jürgen Klopp's first game in charge of die Nationalelf. With van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo all in Xavi's squad, the Netherlands are the team for Kopites to follow.
Netherlands' September/October UEFA Nations League fixtures
- Thursday 24 September: Germany - Johan Cruijff Arena, Amsterdam. Kick off 7:45pm.
- Sunday 27 September: Serbia - Stadion Rajko Mitić, Belgrade. Kick off 5pm.
- Thursday 1 October: Greece - Toumba Stadium, Thessaloniki. Kick off 7:45pm.
- Sunday 4 October: Serbia - Philips Stadion, Eindhoven. Kick off 7:45pm.
- Note: All kick off times are UK time.
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