Virgil van Dijk stars as Netherlands draw 2-2 with Japan

Virgil van Dijk will remain one of the main pillars of Andoni Iraola's new Liverpool era. His importance was underscored by his performance for the Netherlands in their 2-2 draw with Japan in Dallas, where he was voted player of the match. The result disappointed Ronald Koeman's side, which lost the lead twice. Van Dijk, who will turn 35 in July, scored the opening goal with a precise header in the 51st minute. He later defended the lead with a series of towering headers as Japan pressed for an equaliser. Ryan Gravenberch provided the cross that led to Van Dijk's goal, marking only the second World Cup goal scored and assisted by a Liverpool player after Ian Callaghan set up Roger Hunt for England in 1966. Gravenberch's solid display recalls his role as a holding midfielder when Liverpool captured the Premier League in Arne Slot's first season. Gravenberch also supplied the assist for Crysencio Summerville's second Dutch goal. Cody Gakpo had a subdued display, his play limited by Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven occupying left-back. Van de Ven, a central defender by trade, offered little attacking support, allowing Japan to crowd Gakpo out, and Iraola will look to revive Gakpo after his drop in standards last season.