VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been accused of ‘laziness”‘and ‘nonchalance’ by Dutch legend Wim Kieft.
The defender has been without doubt the best in the Premier League for the last two years.
Van Dijk’s error last week allowed Patrick Bamford to pounceCredit: EPA
Wim Kieft won 42 caps for the NetherlandsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Van Dijk, 29, has helped the Reds to domestic and European glory – as well as coming second to Lionel Messi in last year’s Ballon d’Or.
But his countryman has surprisingly launched a scathing attack on his character.
Ex-Ajax striker Kieft, 57, told De Telegraaf: “He is not sharp, he behaves with the Oranje and Liverpool like the finished star, the great coaching leader, who shows a little too much that he does not like his fellow players.
“At the same time, he plays lazy and nonchalant himself. He makes mistakes and often runs away from defensive handiwork in matches.
“With his status, he should be at the forefront of the battle.
“It took Van Dijk a long time to get to the top international level.
“He has been there for about two seasons now, but it is important that Van Dijk remains very critical of himself.
“His environment also plays an important role in this. It’s OK if his trainers shake him up a lot.”
Van Dijk came second in last year’s Ballon d’OrCredit: AFP or licensors
Van Dijk made a critical mistake against Arsenal that led to a 2-1 defeat towards the back end of last season – but took full responsibility for it after the match.
Then he was branded as “arrogant” by Jamie Carragher after casually flicking the ball straight to Patrick Bamford as the Leeds’ striker netted at Anfield on the opening day.
But these are two of just three mistakes leading to goals that the classy 6ft 4in defender has made since the beginning of the 2018-19 season.
Sign up to play Dream Team 2020/21 now
- It’s completely free to play
- Play the traditional Season game as well as Draft
- There’s a hefty jackpot up for grabs across 2020/21
- SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE
Jurgen Klopp says there is ‘space for improvement’ after Liverpool conceded three goals vs Leeds opening day, but insists everything is ‘all good’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
