Van Dijk vs Lithuania sparked plenty of reaction in the Dutch press as the Netherlands scraped a dramatic 3-2 win in World Cup qualifying.
The Liverpool captain featured in a chaotic encounter where Memphis Depay stole the headlines, but local media still assessed Van Dijk’s influence closely.
The Oranje looked in control early through Depay’s opener and a Quinten Timber strike, but Lithuania stunned Ronald Koeman’s side by pulling level at 2-2.
It took another Depay goal in the second half to finally seal all three points, keeping the Netherlands top of Group G.
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Mixed Dutch media ratings for Van Dijk
Despite the win, Dutch outlets felt Van Dijk had a below-par evening.
Ons Oranje rated him 6/10, noting he “won a lot in the air but also struggled at times against the Lithuanian attack. Not his finest evening in Oranje.”
Voetbal Primeur echoed that view, also giving a 6/10.
They wrote: “Did not play a big match, but was significantly better than his partner in crime De Vrij. Van Dijk still contributed with deep balls here and there to the build-up.”
Meanwhile, De Telegraaf offered a slightly higher 6.5/10, adding:
“Van Dijk will always have the appearance of a leader. He didn’t do spectacular things, but tried to create something with depth passes.”
While Depay’s record-breaking brace, which saw him surpass Robin van Persie to become the Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer with 52 goals — dominated the headlines, Van Dijk’s performance continues to divide opinion back home.
The Netherlands remain three points clear in their qualifying group and Liverpool fans will hope their captain sharpens up before returning to Premier League duty.
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