As much of a remarkable career it has been for Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield, we’re not sure we can say the same about his International career. The Dutch captain has faced a share of criticism following their exit from the European championships. As the International season began, the Netherlands faced Bosnia & Herzegovina in their first UEFA Nations League game. The game ended in a comfortable 5-2 victory for the Dutch. In the aftermath of the game, the Liverpool centre-back brought a couple of things to clarity.
Virgil Van Dijk talks about learning from the losses.
After their loss to England in a 2-1 defeat in the semi-finals of EURO, Van Dijk was considering his International future via Caught Offside. Although, reflecting on the past few months and his talks with the Dutch manager he seems a bit more positive. Talking in the post-game interview, Van Dijk said :
“The moment I started talking to the national coach (Ronald Koeman), I was already in a good position,”
“It is quite normal that the national coach and I as captain analyze how the European Championship went. Not only personally, but especially as a group.“
“But it’s also about the trust you get and you look at your abilities: whether you’re still important enough. And I certainly am on and off the field. I don’t like to say that about myself, but it is. The responsibility at the club and the national team is still very high. I’m still Virgil van Dijk, the great leader in both teams. And I certainly want to stay that way for the next two years.
“That has been and I don’t think it’s wise to continue with that. I learned from it. And I want to enjoy myself on the way to the World Cup. It’s a beautiful process. I think we have a good group and dynamic and we have to continue this. We want to go to the Final Four of the Nations League and qualify for the World Cup. We’re off to a good start.”
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The Dutch Captain sounds ambitious after things went south last summer. He is known for his leadership qualities on and off the pitch. He is also acknowledged by youngsters in the camp as he helps them nourish.
Although his future at his club is in speculation, the centre-back has backed himself for his national team. The Reds’ Skipper who currently is on £220,000 per week Salary, is in his last year of contract. With no negotiations held to date, Van Dijk has also been linked to some elite clubs.
