Following his victory with Liverpool on Saturday, former Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk can set his sights on the World Cup in Qatar. The Reds defeated Southampton, bringing an end to a terrible era. Van Dijk may now rest, although temporarily.
Van Dijk played the most minutes in the first half of the season of any of the 26 players who travelled to the World Cup with the Orange squad. The defender played 2,070 minutes in 21 appearances for Liverpool and two international matches for the Orange. The Netherlands will meet Senegal in the World Cup in nine days, on Monday, November 21.
“It’s been a difficult few months, but now we’re focusing on the World Cup,” Van Dijk said after the game against Southampton. “I am a perfect match. Yes, I’ve played a lot, but I’m always eager to play. I anticipated to have some rest against Napoli, but the coach felt it was crucial that I kept playing. The match versus Senegal is just nine days away. That gives you enough time to unwind and plan your strategy with the Orange.”
Six players will travel to Qatar with the Dutch national squad despite having played fewer than a thousand minutes this season.
Van Dijk also noted how World Cup participants may be holding back in their club matches so close to the event. Of course, an injury is a doomsday scenario. “I don’t want to go into a situation like this, but if I have to… Football has duels as well. I’m simply doing my thing. I want to give everything I have. Things can go awry if you have even the slightest hesitation.”
The Liverpool defender believed his squad might have performed better. “Southampton were a terrific opponent against whom I could keep playing, switch sides rapidly, and crush them.” But we’re also excited. We want to go as soon as we get the ball. This will also be retained. That’s our way of play, but we should have done much better today to save us some time.”
