Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has faced criticism from Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit following recent defeats against Croatia and Italy.
Gullit expressed his disappointment in Van Dijk’s performances for Liverpool during the 2022/23 season, where the team finished fifth in the Premier League and failed to win any trophies.
Liverpool in need of new players
As Liverpool prepares for the next season, manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly seeking a young center-back to challenge Van Dijk.
The club has already signed Alexis Mac Allister and is looking to replace players like James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Roberto Firmino.
Defender Ibrahima Konate has acknowledged the need for new players, stating that an understaffed squad lacking quality cannot rely solely on youth.
Konate highlighted Liverpool’s rough start to the season but noted their strong finish, with the team winning seven of their last nine matches.
Van Dijk’s underwhelming performance in Nations League
However, Van Dijk had little time to rest before the upcoming season as he played for the Netherlands in the Nations League, where they suffered defeats against Croatia and Italy.
The Liverpool star started against Croatia as the Netherlands suffered a 4-2 defeat in the Nations League semi-finals and he was also involved in a 3-2 defeat by Italy for the third-placed play-off.
Gullit criticizes Van Dijk and De Jong
Gullit was highly critical of Van Dijk and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, questioning their leadership skills.
“I have been looking for arguments to defend Koeman and the internationals in the Nations League.”
Gullit wrote for De Telegraaf.
“After all, I have also been a player and you do not like this to happen in a big football event organised in your country.
After a tremendous fight, I can’t defend Koeman and his players. Did you feel like going on vacation?
Despite the fact that they are idolised by some people in the Netherlands, often to loud applause, I find that these two important players do not measure up when necessary.
They do not reach the level that can be required of them as decisive international leaders. I think Van Dijk and De Jong don’t have leadership skills.
Actually, I’m asking them for something they don’t have. They need more attention to their own game. It’s difficult for a coach to work without leaders on the pitch and it’s supposed to be that Van Dijk and De Jong should be those leaders.”
Gullit states,
“Experienced players must help the national coach and the teammates individually.”
Gullit also discussed the challenges faced by coach Ronald Koeman and stressed the importance of making tough decisions based on performance rather than sentiment. He expressed doubts about certain player selections and emphasized the need for a cohesive team with strong leaders.
Gullit suggested the possibility of introducing new names, potentially unfamiliar to the public, who could emerge as leaders and lead the Dutch team to success in the upcoming EK tournament in Germany.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will try to not only revamp their midfield but also strengthen their defense line further.