Journalist: Virgil van Dijk has held talks over his international football future

Journalist: Virgil van Dijk has held talks over his international football future Van Dijk awaits Netherlands call as Xavi weighs up captain’s role Virgil van Dijk remains central to the conversation as the Netherlands prepare for their first squad announcement under Xavi. For Liverpool’s captain, the question is how his international ambitions fit into a new manager’s plans, with another European Championship already on the horizon. There is an obvious temptation to turn that discussion into a selection drama. Lewis Steele’s reporting, however, points towards something more considered: a conversation between an experienced captain and an incoming coach about what comes next. With Xavi due to name his squad on Friday, 18 September , Van Dijk’s position offers an early indication of how the Netherlands intend to balance continuity with change. Photo IMAGO Xavi’s Anfield visit puts Van Dijk in focus Wednesday night at Anfield brought familiar faces back into view. Rafael Benitez was among those present, while Andy Gray returned to UK airwaves with talkSPORT, according to Steele’s account. Xavi’s attendance carried a different significance. The former Barcelona midfielder and manager was there with the Netherlands job now his responsibility, assessing players who could help shape his opening months. His opportunities to watch Liverpool’s Dutch contingent were limited. Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong were substitutes, while Cody Gakpo was injured. Van Dijk, though, was playing. That made the Liverpool defender an obvious focus of attention. Even so, a watching national coach does not, by itself, establish that a player’s place is under threat. In this instance, the reported discussions provide more useful context than the sight of Xavi in the stands. Lewis Steele offers context on Netherlands selection In his report, Steele writes: “There is no serious suggestion Van Dijk will be dropped from the Netherlands’ plans”. That is the crucial detail for supporters weighing up whether the captain will receive a call. The same report says Van Dijk and Xavi have held discussions to ensure their intentions are aligned. Those conversations are understandable. A new coach needs to establish what he expects from senior players, while an established international will want clarity about his role and the direction of the team. Nothing in Steele’s account confirms selection before the announcement. Equally, it provides little basis for presenting Van Dijk as a captain awaiting an imminent rejection. Netherlands planning brings Euro 2028 into view Van Dijk will turn 37 during the European Championship in 2028. That gives the conversation a longer perspective than the next international window. Age is a legitimate consideration when planning a tournament campaign, but it cannot settle every selection question. Form, fitness and suitability still matter, as does the responsibility placed on a player within the side. Xavi’s appointment also extends beyond that tournament. The KNVB confirmed that his contract runs through the 2030 World Cup , giving him a longer period in which to shape the Netherlands. For Van Dijk, the immediate issue is establishing where he fits at the beginning of that process. Any judgement about his position two years from now will necessarily depend on what happens between now and then. Liverpool captain awaits first squad announcement The expectation emerging from Steele’s report is that Van Dijk remains part of the Netherlands’ thinking. Friday’s announcement will provide the confirmation that a private discussion cannot. Until then, the distinction between a conversation about the future and a decision to end an international career matters. Xavi has a team to build and standards to establish. Van Dijk has experience to offer and his own ambitions to consider. Their discussions suggest both recognise the value of agreeing how those interests fit together. For Liverpool supporters awaiting the call, the available reporting gives greater reason to expect continuity than a sudden farewell.