Van Dijk Set For Talks With Xavi As Uncertainty Grows Over Netherlands Future

Virgil van Dijk is set to meet Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández for talks over his international future. Xavi has confirmed the meeting, but both men have made clear that no decision has been taken on whether the Liverpool captain will continue playing for the Netherlands.

Why Xavi's Appointment Has Put Van Dijk's Netherlands Future In Doubt

Two developments have raised questions over the captain’s future. The first is the Netherlands’ recent results. They were knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco in the round of 32, a defeat that led Ronald Koeman to step down as head coach.

The KNVB spent weeks searching for a replacement, holding talks with figures including Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot before both approaches fell through. Xavi’s appointment surprised much of the Dutch press.

He signed a four-year contract running through the 2030 World Cup, becoming the Netherlands’ first foreign coach since Ernst Happel in the late 1970s. The second factor is Van Dijk’s age and contract situation.

He turned 35 this year and is without a Liverpool deal beyond next summer. Xavi has been tasked with preparing the Netherlands for the next World Cup cycle with a younger squad, which has led to speculation that the long-serving captain could lose his place.

This is not new territory for Van Dijk. He seriously considered stepping away from international duty after the Netherlands lost to England in the Euro 2024 semi-final, before deciding to continue with Koeman’s side through this year’s World Cup.

What Xavi Has Said About Van Dijk's Role In His Netherlands Plans

Xavi addressed the situation directly at his unveiling in Zeist, confirming he has already spoken with Van Dijk and plans to have further conversations before making any decision.

“I spoke to him. I will be in touch with him,” Xavi said. “I want to talk more about what his ambition is, his passion. And let’s see. But I need to talk to him.”

He described reaching out to his senior players, starting with the captains, as one of his priorities in the job. His comments did not suggest that Van Dijk has been ruled out. Instead, Xavi made clear that he wants to speak with the captain before making any decision.

Van Dijk gave his own account when reporters asked about his plans ahead of the next international window. He called it “a good question” and said he wants to hear from the new manager before deciding on his future.

He added that his willingness to continue depends on whether he still feels valued within the squad, saying he wants to feel "respected, loved and appreciated" for what he brings to the team.

Why Xavi's Tactical Style Could Decide Van Dijk's Netherlands Future

Xavi has built his coaching identity around possession-based, high-pressing football, influenced by his time at Barcelona and his own spell as the club’s head coach.

The KNVB has made it clear that restoring an attacking, front-foot style is a key part of Xavi’s job after this year’s World Cup exit. Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen has publicly questioned whether that system suits Van Dijk.

He argues that a high defensive line does not fit the way the defender has played for most of his career. Van Dijk played 69 matches across all competitions for club and country last season, and Liverpool have shown no sign of reducing his role as their first-choice centre-back.

The Nations League could provide the first indication of whether Xavi will adapt his system to Van Dijk or expect the captain to adjust his game.

When Van Dijk And Xavi Are Expected To Meet Next

No date has been made public for the meeting, though it is expected to take place around the Netherlands’ next international window, when Xavi will oversee his first competitive matches. Van Dijk’s involvement in that squad and any decision on his international future will depend on how the conversation goes.

He has now made more than 270 appearances for Liverpool, and a reduced workload with the Netherlands could help manage his minutes as he enters the final year of his contract. Neither Van Dijk nor Xavi, however, has suggested that publicly.