After losing the Premier League championship race with the Reds and the Netherlands’ last-gasp semi-final loss to England in 2024, the defender vowed to “think carefully” about his future.
According to what Van Dijk stated in July, “this just hurts” following a season and tournament where many things transpired, including him receiving many criticisms.
I go to extreme lengths to win, and after the race is over, you can’t help but feel emotional. [Regarding my future], I am completely clueless right now. I intend to give this summer a lot of thought to my goals for the club and the national team. We will try again after we have recovered from this.
But after Saturday night’s 5-2 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, Van Dijk told reporters that he is a “fighter” who is hell-bent on staying in the top division for as long as possible.
“I understood that it was unclear how I felt about it,” Van Dijk stated on his earlier remarks regarding his international future. After the contest, I was understandably disappointed; apparently, you’re rather emotional.
At the time, it might have felt like my final international match. However, the Oranje can count on me since I am a fierce fighter and warrior.
You need to take stock of your skills and determine if you are still valuable in the end. Without a doubt, I am. Both on and off the field.
My physical health is great, and I’m also becoming better with the ball; I’m also the captain of Liverpool and a constant factor. Playing in another World Cup is something I’d love to do. I am fully aware that I am still more than adequate.
While his position on the Netherlands national team is clearly defined, Van Dijk’s future with Liverpool is still up in the air as his contract expires in 2025.