Liverpool star’s season ended on a disappointing note for his country.
The sight of Virgil van Dijk lifting the Champions League trophy aloft will be remembered for years and decades to come.
The Dutchman’s season has been one of the finest in recent history and the plaudits which have come his way are deserving.
There is even talk he could be a contender for the Ballon d’Or.
But sadly for the centre-back, Van Dijk’s final game of the season ended in disappointment, with Holland beaten in the UEFA Nations League final.
The Liverpool star sent a message after the defeat to Portugal expressing his mixed feelings.
Van Dijk’s disappointment can be a good thing for Liverpool.
It was a reality check, an ego check, amid all the praise Van Dijk has been getting.
That may not have been needed, but it keeps him hungry heading into next season.
Liverpool still have a lot of hard work to do to maintain the levels they reached this season and to try and beat Manchester City to the league title.
Getting a fully determined Van Dijk back with a bit of a chip on his shoulder to aggravate him over the summer break can be a help to them.
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