Virgil van Dijk admitted it was a "massive decision" to continue his international career with the Netherlands but said conversations with new head coach Xavi reassured him. The Liverpool captain has earned 96 caps for his country but considered his future after Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman resigned in June following the last-32 defeat by Morocco at the World Cup.

Following fruitful discussions with Xavi, Van Dijk is looking forward to a new chapter, starting with the UEFA Nations League 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."

Van Dijk helped Liverpool sign off for the international break with a 1-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth, keeping three consecutive clean sheets. "Clean sheets are always a good sign," he said. "Everyone is playing a big part."

Reflecting on his partnership with summer signing Jérémy Jacquet, Van Dijk added: "He has had an excellent start... It is still a work in progress, but so far, it is good."