Virgil van Dijk has admitted it was a "massive decision" to continue his international career with the Netherlands but said he was reassured by conversations with new head coach Xavi.
The Liverpool captain has so far earned 96 caps for his country but said last month he was considering his international future following the departure of Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman. Koeman resigned in June following the Netherlands' last-32 defeat by Morocco at this summer's World Cup.
However, following fruitful discussions with former Barcelona coach Xavi, Van Dijk is now looking forward to the start of a new chapter for his country, who will begin their UEFA Nations League campaign against Jurgen Klopp's Germany on Thursday.
"Obviously it was a massive decision," Van Dijk said. "I had to feel the confidence and the combination of respect and joy and everything I wanted. That was from the first second the case, so the conversation didn't need to be that long. But it was very good, so I am really looking forward to meeting up for the important four games. Let's make the next two years at least an amazing time."
Van Dijk helped Liverpool sign off for the international break with a 1-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.
It is the first time the Reds have kept three consecutive clean sheets in the league since Arne Slot's first three games in charge at the beginning of the 2024-25 season.
"Clean sheets are always a good sign," Van Dijk said. "Everyone is playing a big part in that. I know how sometimes it can work, where maybe only the defenders or the goalkeeper get the plaudits for it, but it is down to everyone.
"The guys up front and the midfielders put in the hard work, and it is a great base to build on."
Reflecting on his burgeoning partnership with summer signing Jérémy Jacquet, the Liverpool defender added: "He has had an excellent start, but we are only in September. I want him to keep working and keep learning. I am sure he will.
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"There is obviously a lot of praise and rightly so, but I know how it works when you play a game not at the standards you have set. So let's just stay calm, keep working, and try and stay important for us like he was today again.
"It is still a work in progress. There are still things we can improve but you learn by playing games. I said at the start that you experience things in games and see how each other react to certain moments, and then you adapt to that. It is still a work in progress, but so far, it is good. For him personally, he is 21-years-old.
"He is very promising but it is up to him to keep working hard and stay calm."
