Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk meets Xavi to decide Netherlands future

In a quiet conference room at Anfield on 13 September, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, 35, sat down with new Netherlands boss Xavi Hernández to decide his international future, a meeting that follows his 96‑cap record for the Dutch side and a long career.

Comments Sport Daniel Orme Sports Writer 12:02, 13 Sep 2026 View 2 Images reported that the meeting comes as the Dutch FA undergoes a generational shift after only reaching the round of 32 at the World Cup. Ronald Koeman left in the aftermath, with former Barcelona boss Xavi Hernández appointed as his replacement, a change highlighted in Koeman ON Comments.

The defender sought talks with Xavi to resolve uncertainty over his role, and the pair are expected to meet again in the coming weeks. They also spoke midweek when Liverpool faced Spanish giants Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Netherlands fixtures and player ambition

The Netherlands have four games scheduled during the international break – a Nations League opener against Germany, followed by matches with Serbia and Greece. Van Dijk said, “I feel that I can still be valuable and important to the team. If we see eye to eye on that, we have two good years ahead of us leading up to Euro 2028.” Image: Getty Images.

Xavi steadies the Netherlands and shares the lead in the Nations League

Liverpool contract and season challenges

Van Dijk has just a year remaining on his Liverpool contract, and it is suggested that any renewal talks will be postponed until next season. The Reds have drawn three of their opening four Premier League games, including a recent stalemate with Fulham.

Andoni Iraola admitted a “lack of freshness” and a “worst turnaround in terms of 60‑something hours between the games,” warning that the schedule will continue to test the squad’s adaptability.

The outcome of the Van Dijk‑Xavi meeting could shape the Dutch FA’s rebuilding efforts while also influencing Liverpool’s planning for the next campaign.