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Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk(Image: Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk is set to return to former club FC Groningen this week when the Netherlands national team face Malta in a FIFA World Cup qualifying at the club's Euroborg Stadion home.

Once upon a time the Reds' defender was a fledgling Eredivisie star, making his first 66 senior appearances for Groningen between 2010 and 2013.

He later played for Celtic and Southampton before joining Liverpool for £75million in 2017.



This coming Tuesday Van Dijk will be able to play in the stadium he once called home, though, and admits he 'can't wait' to return.

"I can't wait to go back to Groningen.

That's where it all started for me as a professional footballer," the 33-year-old told broadcaster NOS via De Telegraaf.

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The qualifier against Malta will be the second in quick succession, tagged onto a Premier League-winning 2024/25 campaign in which Van Dijk was fielded 49 times in all competitions by Liverpool.

Whilst a summer break may be what he desires most after nine months of action, the defender admits: "Of course, that's just the reality.

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"But it's not mustard after the meal, because I want to go to the World Cup."

"We played well for most of the match.

I am very satisfied."

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Van Dijk alongside Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong will all wrap up their seasons against Malta, then they will be able to head off for their holidays.

Arne Slot's side reconvene for pre-season training next month with the aim of retaining their Premier League title as well as adding more silverware to the collection.

In Van Dijk's case, he will be doing so happily under a new two-year contract agreed before the summer became hectic for the Reds in the transfer market.


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