Overview
- Van Dijk has reported for national team duty, which positions him to win his 97th cap when the Netherlands open against Germany on Sept 24.
- Xavi publicly confirmed on Monday that Van Dijk will remain captain to anchor a defence through a compact Nations League schedule.
- Van Dijk had seriously considered retiring after the Netherlands' early World Cup exit but says a conversation with Xavi convinced him to continue.
- The 26-man squad announced this week mixes recalls and first senior call-ups, with Joey Veerman recalled, Ruben van Bommel and Gjivai Zechiël debuting, and Memphis Depay omitted.
- Liverpool have deferred long-term contract talks with Van Dijk until later in the season, leaving his club future beyond June 2027 unresolved and a factor for future selection planning.