Massive announcement: Liverpool star's revelation creates mixed feelings

Massive announcement: Liverpool star's revelation creates mixed feelings One Liverpool star has made a massive announcement and it’s one that will create mixed feelings. Virgil van Dijk has announced that he'll be continuing with the Netherlands national team under new head coach Xavi Hernandez. This comes after plenty of speculation that the captain would call time on his international career post-World Cup. Instead, Van Dijk will keep going. He's committing to at least two more years, taking him to the next European Championships. It remains to be seen if he'll continue beyond that. "It was a massive decision," said Van Dijk. "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. I am really looking forward to meeting up. Let's make the next two years at least an amazing time." Virgil van Dijk to continue with the Netherlands It's a decision that will leave mixed feelings on Merseyside. Van Dijk, after all, is now 35 and is going to keep playing elite international football until he's 37. Most players of that age step back from international football in order to prioritise their club careers. They get the international breaks off, allowing extra recovery time and less mileage on their legs. Van Dijk feels he's capable of continuing, though. Now, Liverpool may not like that as Van Dijk won't get the rest they'd probably prefer him to have. However, there is room for positivity here. It's a sign that Van Dijk feels he can compete at the highest level for at least two more years and anyone watching him right now probably agrees with that. He was unquestionably Liverpool's best defender last season and we imagine he will be again this campaign. Who's to say he won't be next season, too? Well, his contract situation, for one. Van Dijk's deal expires next June and Liverpool need to agree a new one if he's to remain with the club. This decision does suggest that the player feels he can remain at the highest level for longer - now we just need to see if Liverpool agree.