Nigel de Jong described Virgil van Dijk as the 'first one to go in the battles' as he leads the Netherlands at his first major tournament for his country.
The Liverpool defender was yet to play on the biggest stage of them all for his country after failing to qualify in 2016 and 2018 while cruelly missing the 2020 Euros with his ACL injury.
At the age of 31, Van Dijk comes into the Qatar World Cup as captain of his nation as he looks to guide them deep into the competition.
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The Netherlands won their first match in Group A 2-0 against Senegal and three points in their game with Ecuador will secure qualification to the last 16.
Former Netherlands international De Jong spoke highly of Van Dijk before kick-off against Ecuador on ITV: "2016, the Euros as well, 2018 we missed out so there’s a big gap in that generation since we played in 2014.
"It’s crazy that he’s 32 and it’s his first tournament but he’s still a rock, he is a rock for his national team, he’s enjoying every moment, I’m in touch with him almost on a daily basis, he’s a great guy, a humble dude.
"He knows what it takes to be successful not just with his domestic team but in the squad, he’s the first one who goes in the battles and he brings his team along."
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