Van Dijk commits to Netherlands until Euro 2028 after 10-second Xavi meeting

Decision made in 10 seconds

Virgil van Dijk has ended speculation over his international future, saying it took him just 10 seconds to decide to continue playing for the Netherlands after a meeting with new head coach Xavi.

The centre-back, who has won 96 caps for his country, had considered international retirement after the Netherlands’ round-of-32 exit at the 2022 World Cup, where they were beaten on penalties by Morocco following a 1-1 draw.

"I needed a well-deserved holiday with my family and then an important meeting with the national coach," Van Dijk said at a press conference, as quoted by De Telegraaf. "After 10 seconds, I already knew I could continue. That was just a very good meeting. It's about trust and appreciation, and he said I could be important to the team."

"Physically, there is no doubt [I can continue], but I also want to keep having fun and feel the appreciation, and that is certainly there," he added.

Euro 2028 target and formation hope

Van Dijk plans to play on until UEFA Euro 2028, despite turning 37 that year, and could reach a century of caps during the current international break.

The Netherlands open their Nations League campaign at home to Germany on Thursday, before back-to-back away games versus Serbia and Greece, and a home clash with Serbia on 4 October.

Van Dijk also expects a tactical shift under Xavi, whose predecessor Ronald Koeman was criticised for reverting to a five-man backline during his two spells in charge.

"The way I experience it now, I don't think we're going to play with five at the back," Van Dijk said. "Spain became world champions with four at the back. Most players are used to playing with four defenders."

Klopp reunion in Amsterdam

Thursday’s Amsterdam fixture will pit Van Dijk against former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who takes charge of Germany for the first time.

Van Dijk played 270 games under Klopp after being signed from Southampton in January 2018, comfortably the most he has played under a single manager. Arne Slot is second with 104 appearances.

"It's very nice to meet him again. He has been a very important person in my career, like Ronald Koeman," Van Dijk said. "I was able to speak to him during the World Cup, after a training session in Dallas. It will be nice to see him again tomorrow, but hopefully we can make sure that he loses his first game as the coach of Germany."