Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk slammed by Dutch legends in a weird jab

Dutch legends Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit have torn into Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk for being arrogant and whatnot.

The Netherlands were ripped to shreds last week when France smashed them 4-0 in the European qualifiers.

While it was not his best performance by any stretch, van Dijk was not the only one playing badly for Ronald Koeman’s men in that match.

Here’s what van Basten said about the Liverpool man (Ziggo Sport, h/t Daily Mail):

“He makes noise, but he doesn’t say anything. He is not clear. A good captain thinks aloud, makes it clear what is going on. He stays in between. He creates chaos. That leads to misunderstandings. That is what you, as a captain, must prevent. “

Gullit backed those comments and made his own (h/t Daily Mail):

“It’s walking backwards. In England they have already criticised him. He was selected for the world team of the year. He thinks he’s better than the rest. 

“We see things… Then I think, “you are captain, you have to solve this”. But he’s just commenting a little on what’s happening in front of him.

“I don’t know if he’s doing it, but it doesn’t look like he’s speaking. He plays so safe. Come on now, you’re so big and good. It is a positive criticism that we give. Isn’t he the best? Then show it.”

Not sure these comments are constructive criticism, Ruud! Van Dijk has subsequently chosen to ignore these comments and said that it is of no use to him.

At times, it feels like the legends of yesteryear want to stay relevant in the game by making comments like this. Targeting your national team captain when he is one of your best-ever centre-backs is weird, to say the least. Gullit and Van Basten are legends of the game but trying to criticise VVD when his teammates are below par as well just comes across as a plea for attention.

Everyone has their own way of doing things. Van Dijk is not having the best of seasons, but he doesn’t deserve criticism of this kind.

We hope that the 31-year-old doesn’t get affected by this and continues to work on his overall form. He would have an important role to play for the final 12 league games in the Liverpool season.

If the Reds are to finish in the top four, van Dijk’s form and leadership at the back would be required.

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The Dutchman has been playing football constantly since the start of last season. He must be looking forward to an extended break at the end of this campaign with a normal summer ahead. We can expect to see the best version of him next season onward.