Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his frustration with the mandatory hydration breaks introduced for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking after his side's dramatic 2-2 draw with Japan, the veteran defender questioned the necessity of the stoppages in air-conditioned environments.
Rafael van der Vaart has launched a stinging attack on Virgil van Dijk, comparing the Netherlands captain to a commercial airliner following a shaky defensive display against Japan. Despite the Liverpool man finding the net in the 2-2 draw, Van der Vaart admitted he was stunned by the defender's lack of mobility during the Netherlands' World Cup opener.
The 2026 World Cup is set to be a historic tournament, unlike any that have come before it. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time and spread across three countries - the United States, Canada and Mexico - it promises to be the biggest spectacle in the competition’s near-100-year history.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Ronald Koeman are projecting confidence ahead of their World Cup Group F opening fixture against Japan. Despite mounting anxiety among Dutch fans following poor friendly results, Van Dijk's trophyless club season, and Koeman's mixed record, the Oranje camp remain steadfast as they focus on their Kansas City preparations.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his complete surprise at the club's abrupt decision to sack manager Arne Slot following a highly disappointing campaign. The veteran defender revealed that the hierarchy did not consult him before parting ways with the Dutch tactician, learning about the sudden dismissal only after the news had leaked to the media on Saturday.
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has opened up on the challenges of facing the Premier League’s elite defenders, identifying one Liverpool star as the ultimate test. The England international also reflected on his high-profile career path which saw him swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates in a landmark move.
Liverpool will need to appoint a new club captain at some point in the not too distant future, but who should inherit the armband from Virgil van Dijk? Former Reds defender Glen Johnson has told GOAL that Dominik Szoboszlai is an ideal candidate to take on that responsibility as the versatile and passionate Hungarian boasts “characteristics that Steven Gerrard had”.
After Liverpool FC's 2–3 loss to arch-rivals Manchester United, captain Virgil van Dijk delivered a blunt assessment of the Reds' disappointing season.
Virgil van Dijk has issued a defiant response to suggestions that Liverpool players have been prioritising holidays over hard work following their demoralising 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. The Reds captain labelled the current campaign "unacceptable" as the reigning Premier League champions struggle to secure a top-four finish under Arne Slot.
Wayne Rooney has warned Liverpool stalwarts Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah that "age gets to us all" as the legendary duo approach the twilight of their careers at Anfield. The former Manchester United captain suggested that even the club's most influential leaders are not immune to a decline in physical levels as they enter their mid-thirties.
England striker Wayne Rooney has said he would have loved to play under Jürgen Klopp during his career. The former Three Lions record goalscorer made the remark on the BBC's "Wayne Rooney Show".
Virgil van Dijk has admitted that losing Alisson Becker would represent a "big blow" for Liverpool as speculation regarding a move to Italy continues to gather pace. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been heavily linked with a switch to Juventus, with it reported that there has been contact between the Serie A giants and the player's representatives.
Virgil van Dijk has backed Mohamed Salah to win his race against time to pull on the Liverpool shirt one last time before his Anfield departure. The Egyptian superstar left the pitch in tears during the weekend victory over Crystal Palace, sparking fears that a legendary career on Merseyside has reached a premature end.
Virgil van Dijk has insisted he has no concerns regarding Alexander Isak’s slow start to life at Liverpool after the striker finally broke his Anfield duck in the Premier League. The Sweden international, who arrived for a club-record fee from Newcastle in the summer, found the net in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace to boost the Reds' Champions League qualification hopes.
Liverpool moved seven points clear in the race for a top-five finish in the Premier League as a last-gasp Virgil van Dijk goal secured a 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday. Mohamed Salah had marked his final Merseyside Derby with the opening goal before Beto's second-half equaliser looked like ensuring a share of the spoils, only for Van Dijk to find the back of the net and secure victory in the first meeting between the great rivals at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
