Virgil van Dijk responds to Ruud Gullit’s comments after Liverpool slump
Last Tuesday was by no means a pleasant experience for Liverpool fans and players alike as the Reds suffered their heaviest defeat at Anfield in European competitions. Real Madrid handed Jurgen Klopp’s men a 2-5 defeat and Liverpool will go into the Santiago Bernabeu with a three-goal deficit to face their rivals in the second leg of the UCL Round of 16 tie.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was subject to a lot of criticism in the game and the way he defended against Real Madrid. More so by his countryman Ruud Gullit who fancied Virgil as an ice skater in one of the passages of play due to his posture while defending an attacker.
The former AC Milan star termed Virgil ‘clumsy’ to add to that. Reacting to the former Southampton centre-back’s performance against Los Blancos, Gullit said (h/t Mirror):
“Van Dijk puts his hands behind his back like a speed-skater and he bends his knees like speed-skaters do. His body is leaning forward. He kind of kneels down in his moves and only has his hands behind his back so he avoids a handball when the striker shoots. That, for me, is too easy – and it looks clumsy.”
Even though the 31-year-old could have done better in a lot of these situations, there is only so much he can do when his defensive partner Joe Gomez is erring so much. Gomez had a very tough night and unfortunately, sat out injured against Crystal Palace as well.
Responding to Gullit’s comments (via The Mirror), here is what Virgil had to say about his fellow countryman:
“I have nothing to say on that. I set high standards. People try to hold me to that so that’s what I try to do.”
“Coming back from the big injury and then being out for six weeks is tough so playing three games for 90 minutes is something I’m very proud of and have worked hard for.”
To be fair on Virgil, he came off at half-time against Brentford and subsequently missed out on a lot of action. The game against Real was only his second game from injury and the rustiness couldn’t be more apparent. The player has featured in all of the Reds’ Champions League games this season.
Van Dijk for Liverpool
Even though the player is not at his imperious best, Virgil is one of the Reds’ most influential players and just having him in the backline is a big sense of assurance as his capabilities are known to everyone.
It was understandable how the former Southampton man did not want to get back at Gullit for his comments but would rather want to prove him wrong by performing at his bossy best sooner than later. Virgil, as earlier mentioned, is a very integral part of the squad and his mere presence can go a long way in deciding games for the Reds.
The upcoming games in the league hold the utmost significance in shaping the Reds’ season ahead. Qualification for the UEFA Champions League must be of the greatest importance to the team and Virgil will obviously be extremely consequential in guiding the Reds towards a top-four finish.
Liverpool play Wolves and Manchester United at home before heading towards the South Coast to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. What follows these three games is the second leg of the UCL tie against Real Madrid.
More Liverpool News
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- Liverpool vice-captain James Milner talks about the confidence levels after Crystal Palace draw
- Transfer News: Liverpool could look to sell midfielder Fabinho with Real Madrid showing interest in the Brazilian
Van Dijk, along with his teammates, will for sure certainly have to put in a herculean effort if Liverpool are to have a chance of overcoming a steep deficit and beating Real Madrid on 15th March. Hopefully, we continue to strive for success and miraculously get the better of Los Blancos.
