Mixed fortunes for Iraola's Dutch trio

Virgil van Dijk will remain one of the main pillars of Andoni Iraola's new Liverpool era. This impression was only confirmed by his performance for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw with Japan in Dallas. The result was a disappointment for Ronald Koeman's side, who lost the lead twice, but Van Dijk was voted player of the match. Van Dijk, who will be 35 in July, scored a goal and was the main barrier of resistance in a Dutch defence that occasionally looked uncertain. He put the Netherlands ahead after 51 minutes with a precise header. Then, as Japan pressed late on, it was Van Dijk who almost saw out the win with a succession of towering headers. Ryan Gravenberch, who Iraola will hope to return to the majestic form he displayed as a holding midfielder when Liverpool won the Premier League in Arne Slot's first season, was solid and created Van Dijk's opening goal with an inviting cross. In a statistical quirk, Gravenberch's delivery for Van Dijk is only the second World Cup goal scored and assisted by a Liverpool player, after Ian Callaghan set up Roger Hunt for England against France in 1966. Gravenberch also provided the assist for Crysencio Summerville's second goal for the Dutch. Iraola, however, may have wanted to see more from the third member of Liverpool's Dutch contingent as Cody Gakpo had a subdued match. Gakpo's game descended into predictability in Liverpool's struggles last season, too often resorting to simply cutting inside, a ploy easily detected by opponents as his form faded. He fell into similar traps against Japan, although Gakpo's cause was arguably not helped by coach Koeman's selection of Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven at left-back. A central defender by trade, Van de Ven offered little attacking assistance, allowing Japan to crowd Gakpo out. Gakpo also falls into the category of a player Iraola will hope to revive after a dramatic drop in standards last season. Read more on what Iraola will be looking for at the World Cup here