Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk makes a big commitment until 2026

Virgil van Dijk has been a colossal force for Liverpool at the back. Since his arrival in 2018, he has become the epitome of the modern central defender and is without doubt one of the world's greatest players in his position. 

The Dutchman's start to the new season has been very impressive, defying premature suggestions that his best years are firmly behind him. The 33-year-old looks to be back to his very best, with Liverpool yet to concede a goal this season with his leadership being a vital component. 

However, van Dijk's international career hasn’t always been quite as stellar and he was criticised during this year's European Championships when the Netherlands were knocked out in the semi-finals. With 74 caps to his name,  van Dijk will be determined to win some silverware with his country and go one better than 2019 when they were runners-up in the Nations League.

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Van Dijk stays on as Netherlands captain

The Liverpool skipper has already been selected by Ronald Koeman to feature in the Nations League tournament starting this week, with the Netherlands facing Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday in the opening group match. 

In fact, the former Everton manager personally flew out to visit van Dijk and ask him face-to-face about his future, specifically whether he can see himself performing at the 2026 World Cup.

Koeman stated: "I thought it was so important to go to him, to see and ask him: are you going to give it your all for another two years at the highest level and do you still see a future for yourself?”

Luckily for his international boss, Van Dijk feels happy and confident to continue his duties as Netherlands captain into the next World Cup, giving the Dutch fans and players a huge boost. Having a leader like Virgil with his ultimate professionalism and hunger can only boost their chances of finally winning a major trophy. 

Virgil van Dijk to play for the Netherlands until 2026 World Cuphttps://t.co/dmAc4Kmzal

— The Chronicle (@ChronicleZim) September 3, 2024

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Koeman continued on Van Dijk: "He admitted he did not reach the level you would expect from him as a player at the European Championship."

The Netherlands' heart-breaking loss to England in this summer’s Euros has left Van Dijk with a point still to prove and with the form he is in for Liverpool, the attackers he faces while on international duty could be in for a hard day's night.