Van Dijk says Xavi needed just 10 seconds to secure his Netherlands commitment

Virgil van Dijk says a brief conversation with new Netherlands manager Xavi Hernandez convinced him to continue his international career.

The 35-year-old Liverpool defender revealed the details during a news conference before the Netherlands’ meeting with Germany, saying the discussion was based on trust and respect rather than tactics or footballing plans.

“It was not necessary for the conversation to be long. It was very good. Ten seconds were enough for me to decide that I would continue,” the Netherlands captain said.

Van Dijk added that Xavi’s words were simple but decisive.

“He said to me, ‘You are Virgil van Dijk’. That was enough for me to decide to continue with the national team,” he said.

The defender had been considering his future with the Netherlands after their World Cup defeat by Morocco. The match ended 1-1 before Morocco won 3-2 on penalties in the last 16.

“I simply needed a well-deserved holiday with my family, and after that an important meeting with the manager,” Van Dijk said.

The Royal Dutch Football Association appointed Xavi Hernandez as the Netherlands’ new manager last August, replacing Ronald Koeman.

Xavi’s first match in charge will be against Germany. It will also be Jurgen Klopp’s first game as Germany manager.

Van Dijk made his Netherlands debut on 10 October 2015, starting in a 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan in qualifying for UEFA Euro 2016.

He has since won 96 international caps and scored 13 goals for his country.

The Netherlands will also face Serbia and Greece in the UEFA Nations League, alongside their meeting with Germany.

Xavi took over after Koeman was dismissed following the Netherlands’ latest failure at the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Netherlands were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Morocco on penalties after another 1-1 draw, with the defeat recorded in the last 32.