Dutch captain, Virgil Van Dijk, has expressed his desire to stay at Liverpool until the end of 2026 season at least. The 33 year-old has only one year left on his contract with many clubs approaching to sign the highly experienced defender.
The Liverpool captain’s contract situation has caught the eyes of many Saudi clubs as well. They are prepared to offer mammoth wages to the Dutchman However Van Dijk wants to play at the top level until the 2026 World Cup.
Last season, Van Dijk was one of the best defenders in the Premier league, bailing Liverpool out on multiple occasions. In the new season under Arne Slot, the Reds feel much safer at the back because of their “big leader”. He has helped the team keep three consecutive clean sheets in the Premier league.
VVD is keen on staying at Merseyside and fight to win titles this season. Mo Salah who also has a year left on his contract, feels the same.
Speaking to Sky Sports media, he says;
βAt both teams I am still Virgil van Dijk, the big leader!β
βAnd I certainly want to remain that for the next two years. I am human, I have emotions too. You start thinking all kinds of things. Especially just after a game like the elimination (by England) in the very last minute.”
When asked about his commitment towards Liverpool, he says;
“Itβs home. Itβs a special place and whatever happens in the future, Anfield has a special place in my heart.”
“Obviously itβs never guaranteed, like we all saw last season. I want to win, and every competition we are competing in, I want to go as far as possible and to win it.β
Van Dijk reassures Dutch fans amid international retirement talks
Virgil Van Dijk has assured the fans about his commitment to the Dutch national team. He had previously hinted at retiring from international football after conceding a last minute goal against England which saw them being eliminated from the Euros.
The defender was very disappointed following his own poor performance in the Euros. He reportedly was thinking about hanging up his boots from international football as well. It was the coach, Ronaldo Koeman, who gave him the confidence that he required, and backed him. He told his skipper about his importance in the young Dutch side.
The 33 year-old has earned 75 caps for the Oranje so far, and is a big presence in the team. He is the leader of this squad, while also being, as said by many, the best defender in the world.
Ronaldo Koeman’s words were very motivating for the Dutch centre-back which prompted him to continue. He says;
βI noticed how Virgil was feeling, so I thought it was very important to visit him. He indicated that he wants to give it another two years, towards the World Cup. I also have that feeling about him, even though, as he also indicated, he did not reach his level at the last European Championships.”
Virgil spoke about his national team situation in the post match conference after the Netherlands thrashed Bosnia. He says;
“It may have seemed at the time that it could have been my last international match. But I am a warrior and a fighter and I will never just give up for Oranje.”
“I want to play another World Cup. I know I am still more than good enough.β
Dutch captain furious at De Ligt because of his costly error
Virgil Van Dijk appeared furious at centre-back partner, Matthijs de Ligt, because of his error which lead to Germany equalising.
The Manchester United defender was caught out in possession while trying to build up from the back. Deniz Undav latched onto it and smashed home the leveller.
The Reds’ captain showed his frustration by punching the ground and showed a gesture of being disappointed to the former Juventus and Bayern defender.
De Ligt was subbed off by the manager for Brighton defender Van Hecke. De Ligt has struggled for the Dutch side in recent times.
He was criticised for his performance against Bosnia which ended 5-2 in favour of the Dutch.
Van Dijk addressed this issue in the post match conference. He says;
“This is football. You have to learn from this. It was one moment but at the highest level you will get.”
Speaking to Voetball International, manager Ronald Koeman says;
“We talked about it briefly. That focused on the goal – he is not in a good position. He did not come out well with his steps.”
“That was an individual bad moment from a defender. You have to learn from that, but also not be too dramatic about it.”
“He also had very good moments on the ball. That resulted in another big chance, when he played directly forward once. But it is clear that he also has to improve.”
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
