Following Virgil Van Dijk's decision to rule himself out the fourth coming Euro 2020 for the Netherlands, Scorum Sports takes a closer look at the ramifications of the former Celtic of Scotland Defender's decision.
For Frank De Boer And Netherlands, Van Dijk's decision is a massive blow, for Liverpool, his decision would be exciting to say the list.
Captain of the Oranje and a mainstay at the heart of the Netherlands' rear guard, Van Dijk is centre to every good thing Frank De Boer's team have done of late.
Not having the former Southampton and Celtic Centre Back for the Netherlands is as good as not having Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal or Kylian Mbappe for France.
Van Dijk's influence in a relatively young and inexperienced Dutch rank cannot be underestimated. His place in that side cannot be replaced however as Manager Frank De Boer would try to fill that huge gap left by their skipper.
If the Underachieving Oranje were to mount a successful Euro 2020 title challenge, the presence of Virgil Van Dijk would have been immense.
With him not in that side, their slim chance of achieving the above became ever so slimmer and as such Frank De Boer would be gutted not to have his captain especially for the fact that the Oranje would be making a return to a major tournament after missing the last Euros.
At the other side of the divide, the Defender's decision to sit out this Summer's event would excite everyone at Liverpool.
Van Dijk's absence since picking up an Injury in that I'll fated Merseyside Derby earlier in the season was one of the reasons why the Reds' season fell apart.
Signed for £75 million from Southampton in January 2018, Van Dijk has been pivotal to the Red's recent successes, helping them win the Champions League in the 2018/19 season and the Ultimate, the Premier League last season.
Not being available for selection for most part of this term was a bitter pill for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and the club's hierarchy to swallow. Without him as well as Joe Gomez and Joel Matip, it was clear for everyone to see just how important he was to their recent success.
So having a fit and fresh Van Dirk available for pre season and for the new season proper was ever so important and as such his decision would be music to the ears of all those associated with the Anfield based club.
Any attempt to speed up his rehabilitation so as to make the Euros would have been costly as he could as well return back to the club after the Euros worse of and that would spell doom for the new season.
With Liverpool looking to bounce back and mount a title challenge next season after conceding the title to Manchester City this term, a well rested Virgil Van Dijk would be best for the club.
Having said, his decision to sit out the Euros was the best decision he could ever make and the Netherlands, not just Liverpool would be glad he made that choice as they would have him better and stronger for the rest of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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