Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk is concerned about the impact fixture overload is having on the quality of games and the pressure on players individually.
The centre-back is also concerned about the mental impact of lack of adequate rest during this season.
He has been a regular for both Liverpool and the Netherlands this season. Van Dijk has played 4,041 minutes in 45 matches for the Premier League team and 630 minutes for the national team.
The Liverpool player with the most minutes played in the outfield [2,790] in the Premier League this season.
Last Friday, he played 90 minutes in the Oranje’s 2–1 win over Norway at the Amsterdam Arena. His 35th-minute goal helped the Netherlands equalise, before Andreas Schjelderup gave the visitors the lead.
After the match, the Liverpool defender spoke to Norwegian media and Monday’s edition Stavanger Aftenblad Broadcasts his comments.
Van Dijk worried about where football is headed
Norway manager Stel Solbakken Manchester City star Erling Haaland rested For the match against Netherlands. Virgil van Dijk was eager to face the Etihad striker but was left disappointed.
“Yes, of course. We talked a few weeks ago and we both expected him to play today. The coach decided with him that he should be rested, and I can understand that, because there are so many matches these days.” He said.
The 34-year-old then talks about the impact of fixture crowds personally and on the game.
“But it is intense. What can I say? I think it has been said by many that if we continue like this, the quality of football will go down because of the number of matches played.” Van Dijk explained.
.
“I’m not the youngest anymore, but it will be very interesting for the new generation to see how it goes. That’s because there are a lot of young players playing at the highest level. They have already played a lot of games.
“That’s another discussion I don’t want to go into right now. However, I’m certainly aware of the mental aspect, and it’s something I find very worrying.”
Liverpool star won’t get any rest anytime soon
Arne Slott’s side are in the race to win the Champions League and face Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals. The Reds will also face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Liverpool have seven matches left in the Premier League, where they are fifth in the table, one point ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea.
Virgil van Dijk is likely to feature in all of these fixtures until the end of the season. After that, he will play at least three matches for the Netherlands at the World Cup after preparing for friendlies, and even more if they reach the next round.
In short, the Dutchman will not be able to get enough rest between matches for the next few months.
🇳🇱Giovanni van Bronckhorst | Feyenoord’s comeback will not be ruled out
💬 “Who knows what will happen in the future”
➡️ I am happy with the situation at Liverpool
➡️ Obviously a fan of the Dutch club https://t.co/CLUT5qTfXL #lfc– Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 27 March 2026
#worrying #Liverpool #star #worried #mental #impact #season
