Virgil van Dijk’s first red card for the Netherlands could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Liverpool ahead of a challenging run of Premier League fixtures following the October international break.
The Liverpool captain was sent off during the 1-1 Nations League draw against Hungary on Friday night.
Van Dijk received two yellow cards within three minutes during the second half.
The first card was issued for dissent as Donyell Malen surged towards goal, while the second was a clear booking for a foul.
“[The red card] is a bummer and should not have happened. But I’m especially angry about the first,” Van Dijk told ESPN Netherlands after the game.
“They say the captain is the only one who can talk to the referee. I walk up to him…
“Up tempo, but not in a nasty way, not at all.
“Very respectful, because I felt it was a breakaway player, he did not go for the ball at all.
“If even the captain cannot say anything, then it can get difficult.”
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman, formerly of Everton, expressed confusion over the centre-back’s first caution.
“That moment was frustrating,” Koeman told the NOS.
“I don’t understand it.
“I think we agreed that a captain can protest to a referee.
“That foul [on Malen] was good for a red card.
“There was no intention at all to play the ball.
“That Virgil then takes that second card is not convenient, he knows that himself.”
Virgil van Dijk’s dismissal will guarantee that he is fully fit for Chelsea’s visit to Anfield on Sunday, October 20.
Currently, Liverpool sit atop the Premier League table, one point ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal.
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