Liverpool handed Virgil van Dijk concern as Netherlands numbers lay World Cup role bare

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is facing concerns over his heavy workload as he continues to play a central role for the Netherlands in the World Cup. Despite his age, he remains a vital orchestrator for both club and country, raising questions about his long-term fitness.
Why it matters
The physical toll on elite athletes in a congested football calendar is a major concern for top-tier clubs like Liverpool.
Comments Sport Ryan Taylor 23:22, 14 Jun 2026 Updated 23:26, 14 Jun 2026 View 3 Images Virgil van Dijk was the Netherlands key man in their opening World Cup fixture v Japan (Image: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates)
Sports analysis focused on player fitness and tactical importance.
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