Liverpool star issues brutal self-critique amid Netherlands blunder

Netherlands and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk delivered a scathing self-assessment showcasing his leadership qualities and the need to improve

Virgil van Dijk delivered a scathing self-assessment after his performance for the Netherlands, highlighting his responsibility for Liverpool and his country. The Netherlands lost 3-2 to Austria as Van Dijk kept Marcel Sabitzer onside for the winning goal that decided the game.

The Netherlands have barely qualified for the last 16 after finishing third in their Euro 2024 group after registering one victory. The Dutch manager Ronald Koeman has also faced criticism as the squad possesses plenty of top-level players in strong form.

Koeman opted not to take certain players like Mats Wieffer who enjoyed a successful season with their respective clubs. The Dutch team are facing problems with the balance in their starting eleven due to managerial preferences.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk holds himself accountable for the Netherlands loss against Austria. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) — Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk holds himself accountable for the Netherlands’ loss against Austria. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The captain acknowledges his role in the poor performance, and the players should do the same, taking accountability for their mistakes. Van Dijk needs to rally his team, putting their past mistakes behind them as they face Romania in the last 16.

Speaking to the press (via BBC), Van Dijk highlighted his poor performance and emphasised the need to improve. He said:

“I’m not stupid. I also know that I can do better and that it should be better, and that’s what I’m working on.”

Former beloved Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp appointed Van Dijk as the new club captain after Jordan Henderson left last season. The 32-year-old faced criticism during the 2022-23 season due to poor performances that coincided with Liverpool’s struggles.

Virgil van Dijk's positioning kept Austria onside in the buildup to Marcel Sabitzer's goal to put them 3-2 up and top of the group. pic.twitter.com/zfrzxcQ9VM
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 25, 2024

Once deemed as one of the best defenders in the world, many argued that Van Dijk has regressed too much. The naysayers believed that the Dutch captain could not return to his past ceiling as he continued to age.

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Nevertheless, Van Dijk proved his doubters wrong by delivering dominating performances for Liverpool last season, raking huge numbers in duels. There is still a concern about Van Dijk’s age as he reaches 33 in July while Liverpool assesses a successor. The Reds need to address the defensive issues before next season begins as they struggled with clean sheets last season.