Virgil van Dijk's international choice spells trouble for Liverpool
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, 35, has publicly said his decision to continue with the Netherlands is ‘massive’, while warning that his international duties may see him miss more than occasional League Cup games for the Reds.
New partnership fuels clean sheets
Jeremy Jacquet, the French new signing, has instantly clicked with Van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. Their instant understanding has seen the pair thrive together, bolstering a back line that already includes Ronald Araujo. The three‑man core has helped the Reds keep three successive clean sheets in the Premier League, a testament to Van Dijk’s continued quality despite being 35.
Rest periods become more likely
Van Dijk was given a night off when Liverpool faced Tottenham in the League Cup, a rest that was rare in his career. Ideally, Liverpool would field their skipper in every match, but his advancing years mean that may not always be possible. As a result, further rests – particularly during international breaks – could become routine to preserve his fitness for the Premier League.
After talks with new Netherlands manager Xavi, Van Dijk announced he will continue representing his country. “It was a massive decision,” he told James Pearce, “I had to feel the confidence and the combination of respect and joy and everything I wanted.” He added that the conversation with Xavi “didn’t need to be that long” and that he is looking forward to the next two years, hoping they will be “an amazing time.”
For Liverpool supporters, the news is bittersweet. While the Dutch side gains a veteran centre‑back, the Reds may have to accept his occasional absence beyond the occasional League Cup fixture. Many players retire from international football in their early thirties, yet Van Dijk, now 35, has chosen to soldier on for the Netherlands.
Jacquet earned the man of the match award after helping Liverpool halt Bournemouth’s long‑running unbeaten streak on Sunday. Van Dijk praised his partner, urging him to stay grounded: “He has had an excellent start, but we are only in September. I want him to keep working and learning.” He warned that “there is a lot of praise and rightly so, but I know how it works when you play a game not at the standards you have set. So let’s just stay calm, and try and stay important for us.”
Even at 35, Van Dijk remains one of world football’s premier centre‑backs, a cornerstone for both club and country. LIVERPOOL will need to balance his international commitments with the demands of the Premier League to maintain their defensive solidity and preserve the clean‑sheet run they have built.