Virgil van Dijk Reveals What Xavi Said To Convince Him To Continue Netherlands Career In Just 10 Seconds

Virgil van Dijk has revealed that a brief conversation with new Netherlands manager Xavi Hernández was enough to convince him to continue his international career. The Liverpool captain said the discussion lasted only 10 seconds before he knew he wanted to remain with Oranje.

Virgil van Dijk has revealed the remarkably short conversation with Xavi Hernández that convinced him to continue playing for the Netherlands following the 2026 World Cup.

The Liverpool captain had considered his international future after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco on penalties, but a meeting with new head coach Xavi quickly changed his mind.

Van Dijk, who currently has 96 international caps, said the conversation gave him the trust and appreciation he wanted before committing to another international cycle.

Xavi Needed Just 10 Seconds

Van Dijk explained that he first wanted to take a break and spend time with his family before discussing his future with the new Netherlands manager.

After eventually meeting Xavi, however, the defender said he knew almost immediately that he wanted to continue.

He revealed that after just 10 seconds of the conversation, his mind was made up. The discussion centred on trust, appreciation and the role he could continue to play for the national team.

The Message That Changed His Mind

When asked what Xavi had said to convince him so quickly, Van Dijk gave a simple answer: “That I am Virgil van Dijk.”

The defender explained that the conversation made him feel trusted and valued, while Xavi also made clear that he believed Van Dijk could remain an important player for the Netherlands.

For a player who had just completed another demanding international tournament, that sense of appreciation was central to the decision.

World Cup Exit Forced Van Dijk To Reflect

Van Dijk's decision came after a disappointing end to the Netherlands' World Cup campaign.

The Dutch side were eliminated by Morocco following a 1–1 draw and penalty shoot-out, prompting questions over the futures of several senior players.

At 35, Van Dijk had to consider whether he wanted to continue with the physical demands of international football or step away after another major tournament.

His eventual decision means he remains part of Xavi's plans as the Netherlands begin a new chapter.

100 Caps Now Within Reach

Continuing his international career also puts Van Dijk within touching distance of a major personal milestone.

The Liverpool defender currently has 96 caps for the Netherlands, meaning four more appearances would take him to 100.

Only a select group of Dutch internationals have reached that landmark, although Van Dijk stressed that the possibility of reaching a century of appearances was not the reason he decided to continue.

A New Era Under Xavi

Van Dijk's decision gives Xavi an experienced leader as he begins his tenure as Netherlands manager.

The defender has also indicated that he expects the team to operate with a back four under the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, rather than the back-five system used by former manager Ronald Koeman.

Van Dijk said he believes most players are accustomed to playing with four defenders and pointed to Spain's World Cup success with that system.

Van Dijk Looks Ahead

The decision means Van Dijk will continue to lead the Netherlands during the next international cycle, with the captaincy remaining an important part of his role.

He is also preparing to face former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp when the Netherlands meet Germany, with Klopp beginning his tenure in charge of the German national team.

For Van Dijk, the decision to continue is ultimately about more than reaching 100 caps. After taking time to reflect with his family and speaking with the new Dutch manager, he believes he still has an important contribution to make.

And remarkably, according to the Liverpool captain himself, Xavi needed only 10 seconds to convince him.