---
title: "Virals: Virgil van Dijk sends defiant message as international Reds thrive"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-virgil-van-dijk-sends-defiant-message-as-international-reds-thrive/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-09-08T07:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-09-08T07:00:00Z"
---

# Virals: Virgil van Dijk sends defiant message as international Reds thrive

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/09/07/noel-whelan-tips-liverpool-to-pull-off-amazing-jude-bellingham-signing/) defender [Virgil van Dijk](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/09/07/van-de-beek-on-virgil-van-dijk/) was quick to allay any fears of an injury setback after taking a knock on Tuesday night.

The Dutchman seemed [stricken late on](https://www.beinsports.com/en/world-cup-qualifiers/video/highlights-memphis-depay-hat-trick-inspires-n/1746410) following a poor pass from goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, but managed to shake off the blow and complete a second ninety minutes of the international break.

Van Dijk’s Netherlands side [cruised to a 6-1 win](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9967359/Holland-6-1-Turkey-Memphis-Depay-scores-superb-hat-trick-dominant-hosts.html) over Turkey in Amsterdam thanks to a hat-trick from Memphis Depay and a goal apiece for Davy Klaasen, Donyell Malen and Guus Til.

Speaking post-match, the 30-year-old confirmed he was [‘already over’](https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12401840/van-dijk-plays-down-injury-concerns) the incident.

> Twitter: Virgil van Dijk has told Dutch media that he is fine and he is already over the minor knock he picked up. https://t.co/y71I84TC8a (@DaveOCKOP)

Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota grabbed a [goal and an assist](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/diogo-jota/nationalmannschaft/spieler/340950/verein_id/3300) as Portugal swept aside Azerbaijan 3-0, whilst Sadio Mane netted a penalty to seal a [3-1 victory](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/spielbericht/index/spielbericht/3570516) for Senegal over Congo.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Jurgen Klopp will be breathing a sigh of relief that Van Dijk, as well as the rest of his stars, seem to have come through the [international break](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/442652-fabinho-interview-three-games-a-week-is-intense-but-exciting) unscathed.

Perhaps the most worrying events took place for Naby Keita in Guinea, although it would seem the midfielder has [boarded a plane back](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-9966379/Midfielder-Naby-Keita-FINALLY-boards-plane-Guinea-Coup-detat-homeland.html) to Merseyside.

Klopp’s side will switch their attention to a tough trip to [Yorkshire on Sunday](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/match/2021-22/men/fixtures-and-results) to face Leeds United, looking to maintain an unbeaten start to the season.