Euro 2024, Netherlands: at 32, Virgil van Dijk’s first time

The Reds defender è the captain of CT Koeman’s team

Today, at 3 p.m., the Netherlands will play its first match at Euro 2024. It will challenge Poland (match valid for Group D). Lots of anticipation for the debut of CT Koeman’s team, led, on the pitch, by leader van Dijk, finally, at 32 years old, ready for his absolute debut in a final phase of a European championship with the orange jersey.

Previously, the Liverpool ace è has been rather unlucky as far as Europeans are concerned. In 2016 he was not è summoned, in 2020 he was in great form but Covid postponed the event. A year later, serious injury (cruciate) and no European Championship won then by Italy.

Finally è his time has come. CT Koeman holds the Reds defensive center in high esteem. He's his captain, his leader. A role van Dijk adores: "With the armband on my arm I feel like an extension of the CT on the field. I know what è my role and I like it", his clear words on the eve of the delicate match with Poland, a team that is anything but easy to face.

Alongside van Dijk è there is likely to be de Vrij, preferred to former Juventus player de Ligt who is expected to start from the bench. Little does it matter, what matters è that, finally, van Dijk can play a game in a final phase of a European championship.