Virgil van Dijk Fights Back Tears After Reaching 100th Cap for the Netherlands
The 35-year-old Liverpool legend reflected on the milestone in the dressing room, admitting that the achievement carried a profound personal weight that left him momentarily overwhelmed. He told the camera of NOS that the milestone means a great deal to him.
“I did find it difficult for a moment in the dressing room just now and I am quite emotional, I have to say. Especially at moments like this, I think it is difficult after all,” Van Dijk told NOS. The captain revealed that he took time to thank the squad and current and former staff members before turning his appreciation toward his family who attended the match. He said he was very grateful to the group, the staff, and staff members he worked with in the past.
Dressing Room Reflections and Family Gratitude
The landmark century of appearances caught the Dutch defender by surprise. In his youth, reaching such a high figure felt completely out of reach. “It is something I never dared dream of. It felt far too distant even to let it enter my mind when I was young,” Van Dijk noted, emphasizing that he holds no plans to retire from international football after the 100-match threshold. He described the occasion as a special evening and a wonderful milestone that he is very proud of.
The central defender had to pause while speaking to the camera, capturing his gratitude toward his family and teammates following the narrow win. He stated that he is most grateful for his family.
Head Coach Xavi Hernández Praises the Captain’s Leadership
Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernández offered strong praise for his captain inside the dressing room, pointing to his long-standing influence on the squad. “I said that he is an example. That I am very proud,” Xavi stated. The coach added that Van Dijk has delivered tremendous work for both himself and the team since their very first meeting.
Xavi further described the defender as a real leader and said, “I am so proud that I am his coach.”
Analyst questions makeshift defensive pairing
On the pitch, tactical adjustments marked the fixture against Serbia. Van Dijk started on the right side of central defense to accommodate makeshift defender Teun Koopmeiners on the left, which is Van Dijk’s preferred side. Analyst Hans Kraay junior subsequently expressed the view that this arrangement should remain a one-time occurrence rather than a permanent defensive pairing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virgil van Dijk’s Milestone Match
How many international appearances has Virgil van Dijk made for the Netherlands?
Virgil van Dijk reached his 100th international cap during the 2-1 victory over Serbia.
What specific defensive position did Van Dijk play against Serbia?
Van Dijk lined up as the right-sided central defender to allow Teun Koopmeiners to play on the left side.
Who did Van Dijk thank first when speaking about his milestone?
Van Dijk thanked his current teammates, the coaching staff, past staff members, and his family who attended the match.
What did head coach Xavi Hernández say about the defender?
Xavi called Van Dijk an example to the squad, a true leader, and expressed immense pride in coaching him.
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