Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk is set to play a new role for Netherlands boss Frank de Boer at the forthcoming Euro 2020, according to reports.
The 29-year-old Dutchman missed the majority of Liverpool's 2020-21 Premier League season after he suffered knee ligament damage last October.
And Van Dijk confirmed that he would not play a single minute for the Netherlands this summer as he focused on recovering from his injury.
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The Netherlands captain's absence at Liverpool was felt as the Reds conceded the Premier League title to Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp's men fought on without Van Dijk and managed to clinch a top-four spot and Champions League football for the new season.
Despite ruling himself out of the Euros, Van Dijk will be present for the Dutch side's campaign at the tournament.
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According to The Daily Mirror, De Boer approached the Liverpool defender about the possibility of becoming an 'unofficial member' of his backroom staff.
The Netherlands boss believes that Van Dijk will have a positive impact with his presence during Euro 2020.
Van Dijk would not be 'cheerleading' the Netherlands in his role as De Boer insisted that the "team loves his presence."
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De Boer explained: "Virgil is so important for this squad and is a massive motivational factor who has always been important for the boys over the past few years. The team loves his presence."
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Van Dijk was present with the Netherlands this week as De Boer's men claimed a 2-2 comeback draw against Scotland at the Estadio Algarve.
The Netherlands are in Group C at the Euros alongside Austria, North Macedonia and Ukraine.
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De Boer's side will play Georgia at the De Grolsch Veste today in their final friendly match ahead of Euro 2020.
Van Dijk decided to not represent the Netherlands at the Euros as he wanted to focus on recovering from his injury and returning to full fitness.
The former Southampton defender told Liverpool's website: "I feel physically it is the right decision that I've decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab in the off-season.
"It's tough, but I'm at peace with it."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Liverpool, Football, Euro 2020, UEFA, Premier League, England, Netherlands, Virgil Van Dijk