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Southampton: Could the Netherlands’ WC exit aid the Saints?

By Chris Hughes

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 10: Daryl Janmaat of Netherlands and Bas Dost of Netherlands react after the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Netherlands and Sweden at the Amsterdam Arena on October 10, 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 10: Daryl Janmaat of Netherlands and Bas Dost of Netherlands react after the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Netherlands and Sweden at the Amsterdam Arena on October 10, 2017 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Despite beating Sweden last night, the Netherlands have missed out on a play-off spot and are thus out of next year’s World Cup in Russia.

The result has since seen Arjen Robben retire after nearly 100 appearances for his national side, but for Southampton fans, it’s not all doom and gloom.

In fact, the unfortunate result – which means they cannot reach the play-off round, could play right into the south coast outfit’s hands.

Virgil van Dijk has started both games for the Netherlands since returning to international duty and has made it clear that he is still open to a move around in January. Despite since claiming his words were twisted, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if deep down he did feel that way.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Bet365 Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts after the Premier League match between Stoke City and Southampton at Bet365 Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

The season before a World Cup year is hugely important to every footballer with even the slightest sniff of getting on the plane for their respective country – they want to do everything they possibly can to get the attention of their national manager.

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For many, being in the starting XI for a top-tier side can be enough to catch the eye of your gaffer, but for some they want to play among the best footballers and enjoy great team success to warrant their spot.

In short, all of that is irrelevant for Van Dijk now. He has no competitive international football to worry about next summer. A move to Liverpool in January would’ve put VVD on the map and would’ve cemented his position in the Dutch first team even more so than before – big club bias will remain apparent no matter what the manager says.

Most Saints fans were braced that would only have the 26-year-old for another half a season, and in truth that may still be the case. However, with no major international competition to aim for, Van Dijk may not have as desperate a need to get out of Southampton as he did over the summer.