HOLLAND will get a helping hand from Virgil van Dijk at Euro 2020 despite the Liverpool star’s injury absence.
Out of action since October due to an serious knee ligament injury, the 29-year-old will not feature on the pitch for his country.
But, according to the Mirror, he has answered the call to form part of Frank de Boer’s backroom team.
Team captain Van Dijk will offer his insight as an unofficial member of staff throughout the competition.
Dutch preparations for the tournament have, like many others, not gone fully to plan.
A 2-2 draw with Scotland in their opening warm-up friendly was followed by a 3-0 win over Georgia.
Absent for the victory in Enschede was Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.
The Oranje are sweating over his fitness after he picked up a training ground knock to his groin.
WIN £50,000 with Dream Team Euros
Dream Team Euros is HERE!
The best fantasy football game to accompany Euro 2020 has arrived.
And you can play absolutely FREE for your chance to win the £50,000 jackpot.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR FREE!
Dream Team Euros
- £50,000 jackpot
- The best fantasy football game this summer
- Play in mini-leagues against your mates, colleagues, family members – and some hand-picked celebrities
- FREE to play
De Boer has already sent home Donny van de Beek after the Manchester United midfielder suffered an injury.
Holland will not call up a replacement for the playmaker, a decision which former defensive star De Boer insisted was best for the dressing room.
He told reporters: “It is always sad when boys have to drop out injured.
“To join the group at this stage is not exactly ideal.
EURO 2020 BETTING SPECIAL – GET £1 FREE BET FOR EVERY SHOT ON TARGET YOUR GOLDEN BOOT SELECTION HAS
“I also have enough midfielders in my squad to absorb it.
“Of course there can always be a situation where you decide differently, but at the moment I prefer to leave the group as it is.”
Ukraine await in Holland’s first Euro 2020 game, on June 13, before games with Austria and North Macedonia, all of which take place in Amsterdam.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
