Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Netherlands until the 2026 World Cup at least, but the door is shut on Steven Bergwijn after the forward’s transfer to Saudi Arabia, the manager, Ronald Koeman, confirmed on Tuesday.

Koeman, who led the Dutch to the Euro 2024 semi-finals before a loss to England, is preparing for a Nations League clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Eindhoven on Saturday and revealed he flew to Liverpool to have face to face talks with Van Dijk.

“I thought it was so important to go to him to see and feel with him: are you going to give it your all for another two years at the highest level and do you still see a future for yourself? And he does. And I do the same with him. All doubt is gone, he just goes on,” Koeman said. “He admitted he did not reach the level you would expect from him as a player at the European Championship. As captain, I think he did a great job. But perhaps as a result, he put too much energy into others rather than into himself.”

Koeman confirmed he had not considered Bergwijn for selection after a poor start to the season at Ajax and his move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. “The book is basically closed to him. He knows what I think about this,” Koeman said. “When you are 26, your main ambition should be sporting, not financial. These are choices that players make.

“I have never been in that situation, because I could go to Barcelona. He could have stayed at Ajax, that’s not bad, is it? You have to respect that choice, but personally I wouldn’t [have moved].”

Van Dijk's International Future

The 33-year-old Liverpool defender is one of the most influential figures in Dutch football, and his commitment to the national team comes as a boost to Koeman's plans for the 2026 World Cup. Van Dijk has been capped 74 times by the Netherlands, and his experience will be crucial for the Oranje as they aim to make a strong showing on the world stage.

Koeman's decision to fly to Liverpool to personally speak with Van Dijk highlights the importance he places on the center-back's role in the squad. The manager emphasized that he wanted to ensure that Van Dijk was fully committed to the team before making a final decision. This personal touch demonstrates the strong relationship between Koeman and Van Dijk, and it will likely translate into a positive atmosphere within the team.

Koeman's Approach to Building the Squad

While Van Dijk's commitment is a positive for the Netherlands, Koeman has also made it clear that he is not afraid to make tough decisions to ensure the team's success. This is evident in his decision to exclude Bergwijn from the squad. The manager's stance on players moving to Saudi Arabia is based on a belief that at this stage of their careers, sporting ambitions should take priority over financial gains. This principle is aligned with Koeman's overall philosophy of building a team that prioritizes performance and collective success.

Koeman's Future Plans

Koeman's comments suggest that he is already looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, and he is committed to building a competitive team capable of challenging for the title. The manager's focus on younger players, such as the 26-year-old Bergwijn, indicates that he is looking to create a balanced squad with a blend of experience and potential. However, with the door closed on Bergwijn, Koeman will need to identify other players who can fill the void in the attacking line. The manager will need to continue to make tough calls, but his experience and the support of players like Van Dijk will likely help him build a successful squad for the upcoming World Cup campaign.

The Road Ahead

While Van Dijk's commitment is a significant step for the Netherlands, the journey to the 2026 World Cup is still far from over. The team will need to navigate through the qualification process and face stiff competition from other European giants. Koeman's task is to ensure that the Oranje remain competitive, and he will need to build a strong foundation to achieve this goal. With Van Dijk leading the way, the Netherlands has a solid base to work from. But the real test will come in the qualifying matches, where the team will need to prove its mettle and secure its spot in the 2026 World Cup.