Van Dijk quits for the Dutch team? The race for his successor
The World Cup drama is over. Who will take over from the Liverpool captain in the Dutch defense?
Virgil van Dijk has opened the door to a departure from the Dutch national team after the painful elimination at the 2026 World Cup. The elimination was bitter: Morocco proved too strong for national coach Ronald Koeman's team after a penalty shootout. For 34-year-old Van Dijk, who formed the foundation of the Dutch game for years, this defeat feels like the possible end of his international career.
Liverpool's captain hinted in the aftermath of the match that the tank is empty, which immediately shifts the focus to the future of the Dutch defense. The search for a worthy successor is in full swing. There is no shortage of talent, but the question is who can take over the leadership role.
