Why Virgil van Dijk could be the World Cup’s most valuable player (opens original article in a new tab)

Virgil van Dijk is a central figure for the Netherlands in the World Cup, with a career marked by challenges and high expectations, entering his final tournament as a key player.

• Virgil van Dijk is a key player for the Netherlands in the World Cup, entering his last tournament with 4,941 club minutes and 810 for the country this season.
• Van Dijk's career includes a World Cup exit in 2022 on penalties and a history of being overlooked by Dutch managers, including being omitted in 2014.
• He has faced challenges like losing club teammates and a potential World Cup partner due to injury, making him more pivotal for the team.